Van Damme returns to Belgium

Defender Jelle van Damme is heading home to Belgium after just five months with Premier League club Wolves.

Van Damme, 27, signed a four-year deal with Standard Liege after passing a medical on Monday, but will not be able to play for his new club until January 1.

Wolves CEO Jez Moxey said: “We can confirm that we have agreed a deal for the transfer of Jelle Van Damme to Standard Liege subject to the paperwork being completed over the next 48 hours.”

“Once the deal goes through Jelle will leave us with immediate effect, but will not be able to play for Standard Liege until the transfer window re-opens on January 1 and international clearance is granted.”

“The agreement has been struck in exactly the same way as when we brought Jelle to the club from Anderlecht in June, meaning we receive the entire fee in the same way as we paid it.”

Van Damme made just six Premier League appearances for Wolves, scoring once in a loss to Fulham in September.

Standard Liege lie fourth on the Belgian First Division table, having conceded 22 goals this term.