Maierhofer joins Wolves

(GETTY IMAGES)

Austrian international striker Stefan Maierhofer, a former chef who only became a professional footballer when he was 22, has became Wolverhampton Wanderers ninth new signing since they won promotion.

Maierhofer, 27 and 6ft 7ins tall, helped Rapid Vienna qualify for the Europa League this season, but said he was happy to forego European competition for a chance to play in the Premier League.

"This is something of a dream for me," he told the Wolves website (www.wolves.co.uk).

"I have only been a professional footballer for five years and playing in the Premier League is the ambition of a lot of players in Europe, it really is the league to play in."

Maierhofer, who scored 23 goals in 37 games for Rapid last season, has joined on a three year deal. He is the club's second signing in two days after they secured the transfer of Ecuador midfielder Segundo Castillo on Monday.