Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce that Michael Mancienne today signed a new four-year contract, which will keep him at the club until 2013.

The club can also confirm that the 21-year-old defender has today joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan.

The England Under 21 defender played 10 times for Wolves in last season's Championship, and now links up with Mick McCarthy's side as they look to consolidate in the Premier League.

Last season was one of tremendous progress for the versatile defender, who earned a call-up to the full England squad off the back of his form at Molineux before making his Chelsea debut away at Watford in the FA Cup on Valentine's Day.

The 21-year-old, who can also play in holding midfield, went on to make six appearances in our colours under Guus Hiddink, including in the Champions League against Juventus.

Prior to Wolves, Mancienne played 61 times on loan at QPR between 2006 and 2008.