The United States youth international has put pen to paper on a new contract which will keep him at Molineux until the summer of 2022, with Wolves holding an option for a further year.

Following an impressive showing for the development squad during the current campaign, the 18-year-old, who can play in both defence and midfield, made his senior debut in gold and black in December when he came off the bench in Wolves’ 4-0 Europa League win over Besiktas at Molineux.

The versatile Otasowie has also been given a spot on the first-team bench in their Premier League meetings with Sheffield United and Liverpool, as well as the European visit to Braga in November.

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell revealed his delight at offering Otasowie a new longer-term contract, adding: “Over the past months, I think it is clear to see that Owen has the potential to be a very good player and we have been pleased with his recent attitude and application.

“He’s a player who has recognised the importance of being professional, working hard, and with all the technical ability and physical potential he has, it’s now starting to come to fruition.

“We hope Owen can maintain his recent progress to continue to grow into another Academy graduate that will challenge for first-team football both now and in the future.”

After joining the Academy in 2017, Otasowie suffered several injuries, but since overcoming the woes, he has pushed his way into the under-23 starting line-up, as well as a place among Nuno Espirito Santo’s senior squad.

Head of Academy Scott Sellars believes Otasowie’s injuries have helped turn him into the player he is today. “He’s been a player who has always shown potential,” Sellars said. “But I believe the injuries that he has gone through have helped him grow up a lot, and over the last few months he has really knuckled down and worked hard at his football. We’ve all seen the benefits of this in his recent performances.

“It’s fantastic for the football club, and from our point of view, to reward players while making sure we keep our talented players here for the foreseeable future.

“Now he’s signed this new contract, Owen needs to continue to work hard and with the many opportunities he gets to train with the first-team, he must learn as much as he can from the senior pros at Wolves.

“Nuno likes what Owen brings to the football club and sees his potential, so he just needs to be consistent in his performances and attitude, and if he does that, he will earn the rewards.”