The 29-year-old centre half moves on a season-long deal from Fulham - with a view to a permanent move.

It comes almost a year to the day since he was surprisingly sold to the Cottagers for £2m.

Wolverhampton-born Stearman had been Wolves' player of the year in 2014/15 and played every league game in 2015 before he was transferred to Fulham on September 1 last year.

He becomes Wolves' 12th signing of the summer - and their fifth loan capture.

Stearman said today: "It feels amazing to be back. I think everybody knows what this club means to me.

"When I heard there was a chance it could happen, I didn't want to let it pass up. I told my agent to make it happen whatever it takes and here I am.

"I'm delighted to be here, ready to crack on and hopefully can help to get us promoted.

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"I know people say not to go back in life but why would I not want to come back?

"I had a great seven or eight years here, I spent a large portion of my life at this club and I've got nothing but happy memories so I just want to pick up where I left off.

"I'm looking forward to getting back out at Molineux and hearing that roar from the South Bank."

The Wolves that Stearman returns to is a very different club from the one he left a year ago, with a new owner, head coach and many new team mates in place.

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Stearman added: "There's quite a few new faces in there but there's some old familiar ones as well so it will be good to get know the new lads and get back out there with the old boys.

"I've always looked out for Wolves' results and kept up to date with how the boys are getting on.

"I think it will be quite emotional.

"When I left I didn't really get the chance to speak to the fans which hurt me a little bit.

"It will be great that I never really needed to say goodbye because I'm back and I can say hello.

"It's going to be a great feeling and I'm really looking forward to it."

Wolves are also on the verge of signing Portuguese international winger Ivan Cavaleiro from Monaco.