The experienced American shot-stopper was on the lookout for a new club after he was released by Reading at the end of last season.

Hahnemann, 37, has signed an initial one-year deal with the Molineux outfit and will battle it out with Wayne Hennessey for the club's No.1 jersey.

The veteran is Mick McCarthy's second signing of the summer following the capture of Serbia international Nenad Milijas, who is awaiting on a work permit before finalising his switch.

Hahnemann believes Wolves are a massive club and he is relishing the challenge of battling with Hennessey for the starting job and helping the club retain their top-flight status.

He told the official club website: "I'm excited to be here. Wolves were one of Reading's main rivals and I've always had good experiences when I've come up here.

"The games here have always been good and it was a great opportunity (to sign), one that I couldn't turn down. My buddy Kasey Keller played with Mick (McCarthy) and when I told him what was happening he said it would be great for me to come to Molineux.

"The crowd here have been awesome. They are so loud and it will be good to have them on my side this year. Last season we thought we would catch Wolves but they were just too powerful."

With two years Premier League experience behind him, Marcus warned: "The speed of the players has a huge influence on how you play the game. There are times that you come for a through-ball and you won't get anywhere near it because the guys you are up against are so fast.

"Players in the Premier League tend to be bigger, stronger and faster than those in the Championship and the skill level increases as well. It's a huge jump that is almost hard to explain.

"That first game is like a little wake-up call and it will happen to us this season. Hopefully, we won't be too shocked by it and can adjust and come to grips with it quickly because we are going to need to."

Hahnemann was born in Seattle and he played for Seattle Sounders and Colorado Rapids before moving to England to join Fulham in 1999.

During his time at Craven Cottage he was loaned out to Rochdale and then Reading for whom he signed on a permanent basis in 2001.

He made 299 appearances for the Royals and was an ever present in both of their campaigns in the Premier League between 2006 and 2008.

Standing at 6ft 3in tall, he has been capped seven times by the United States.

On the fight for a first-team place at Molineux, he added: "Competition for places is always good. There are some very good keepers here and, hopefully, with my experience, we can be very strong in that position and we won't have any worries this season.

"I know I have a real fight to be the number one and no promises have been made. I know I have to go in there, have a good pre-season and then see what happens.

"It's an excellent move for me. Wolves are a massive club and it's another chance to play in the Premier League - that's a huge draw for me."

www.wolves.co.uk