Wolverhampton Wanderers have appointed Stale Solbakken as their new manager.

Solbakken was sacked as coach of relegated Bundesliga side Cologne last month, and has signed a contract after he held talks with Wolves chiefs on Thursday.

The 34-year-old said: "I am delighted to be taking up the important challenge to manage Wolves. It's an exciting opportunity to manage a great club and I can't wait to get started."

Chief Executive Jez Moxey added: "Following talks with Ståle Solbakken I am happy to confirm that he has agreed to become our new manager. He will be formally introduced to the media on Monday."

The Black Country club were relegated three weeks ago after a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, having sacked Mick McCarthy on 13 February after a 5-1 home derby defeat to West Bromwich Albion.

With a two-week window until their next match after McCarthy's sacking, the club were knocked back by up to four managers, with former West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley rejecting their overtures twice.

Instead owner Steve Morgan promoted assistant manager Terry Connor to the role of interim first-team coach, and he is still yet to guide the team to a win.

Solbakken previously managed Danish side Copenhagen, winning the country's Superliga on five occasions and leading the club into the Champions League for the first time in their history in 2006.

The Danish side's first ever victory in the tournament came against Manchester United, with a 1-0 win courtesy of a goal from former Aston Villa striker Marcus Allback.