Jesus Vallejo Real Madrid 2018-19Getty Images

Real Madrid defender Vallejo joins Wolves on loan

Wolves have completed the signing of Real Madrid centre-back Jesus Vallejo on a season-long loan deal.

The Spaniard joined Madrid from Real Zaragoza in 2015 although has struggled to establish himself in the first team, making just seven appearances in all competitions in the 2018-19 campaign.

Vallejo previously spent time on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt during the 2016-17 season and will now get the chance to test himself in the Premier League with Nuno Espirito Santo's side.

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The 22-year-old becomes Wolves' third first-team arrival of the summer after they signed both Raul Jimenez and Leander Dendoncker permanently following successful loan spells with the club.

The centre-back adds to Espirito Santo's options in defence and he'll compete with the likes of captain Conor Coady, Willy Boly and Ryan Bennett for a starting berth.

Wolves finished seventh in the Premier League last season and conceded 46 goals - a better defensive record than both Manchester United and Arsenal, who finished above them.

They are also hoping to reach the Europa League group stages, with their qualifying campaign having got underway with a 2-0 win over Crusaders in the second qualifying round.

Indeed, Vallejo could make his debut for the club in the return meeting with the Northern Irish side, which takes place at Seaview Stadium in Belfast on August 1.

It's proven to be a positive pre-season for Wolves, meanwhile, with their triumphs over Newcastle United and Manchester City seeing them claim the Premier League Asia Trophy.

After a comprehensive 4-0 win over Manuel Pellegrini's side, they then faced City in the final and were victorious via a penalty shoot-out after the likes of David Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Lukas Nmecha all missed from the spot.

Wolves get their 2019-20 Premier League campaign underway with a trip to Leicester City on August 11, before they face Manchester United at home on August 19.

Should they finish the job against Crusaders and then win a third-qualifying round tie in the Europa League, they will then face a play-off, with the winner of that two-legged affair entering the group stages of the competition.

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