Wolves at crossroads as Michael Beale emerges as top managerial target

Wolves are seemingly no closer to appointing Bruno Lage’s successor following an extensive yet underwhelming interview process but the club now seem willing to test the water with a formal approach for Queens Park Rangers head coach Michael Beale. Last week, owners Fosun began shock talks with the representatives of Nuno Espirito Santo, who looked poised to return to the Black Country just 17 months after departing Molineux, where he guided Wolves to the Championship title in 2018 and Europa League quarter-finals in 2020.

Despite formal discussions, Nuno is no longer considered the favourite for the job after the Portuguese poured cold water on rumours linking him with an exit from Al-Ittihad during a press conference in Saudi Arabia.

Peter Bosz, who was sacked by Lyon earlier this month following a dismal start to the Ligue 1 season, has also been interviewed for the vacancy but a move for the former Ajax tactician does not seem likely at this stage.

The 58-year-old Dutchman has failed in each of his last three jobs after also believed relieved of his duties by Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund, creating doubts as to whether he is the right man to steer Wolves away from danger – despite his impressive tactical understanding of the game.

Now QPR’s Beale, the former assistant of Steven Gerrard at both Aston Villa and Rangers, has emerged as a surprise, yet firm contender for the position although his contract in west London is thought to be protected by a hefty compensation fee (release clause).

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Beale has made a promising start to life in the dugout with QPR currently sat sixth in the Championship table. His departure from Villa Park, where he was described as a “second manager” by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, has been a decisive underlying factor in their downfall this season as Gerrard now faces calls for the sack.

Former Wolves midfielder Rob Edwards has also fallen under consideration following his short spell in charge of Watford. He was one of the first candidates to speak to Wolves after priority target Julen Lopetegui turned down a formal offer from the club, citing family reasons for his decision to snub the proposal.

Ex-Villarreal, Valencia and Athletic Bilbao boss Marcelino is also understood to have rejected the chance to speak to Wolves as he sets his sights on the Spain job later in the year when Luis Enrique’s contract expires in December.

Caretaker boss Steve Davis failed to follow up the crucial 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest with another three points against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night as Wolves surrendered a first-half lead before losing 2-1 via a second-half collapse at Selhurst Park.

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Davis and James Collins are expected to remain tasked with leading the first-team group until the club find a solution for the managerial hot seat.

Yet while Wolves do not want to rush their extensive managerial search, there is an appreciation that urgency is required.

Sean Dyche, who was sacked by Burnley in the final months of last season, is openly holding out for a return to the Premier League.

Speaking on Ben Foster’s Fozcast, he made it clear he would be reluctant to approach any club to put his name forward for a role, as he eagerly awaits an opening.

Dyche has received strong interest from the Championship and abroad – including the Middle East – but he remains out of work.

Mainz boss Bo Svensson and Sporting’s Ruben Amorim are strongly admired but both have committed their futures to their current clubs in the past fortnight.

Wolves now have just four Premier League matches remaining before the mid-season interval due to the World Cup, which could provide the board with a lifeline should they wish to risk delaying an appointment.

However, sources suggest the club are still aiming to appoint Lage’s successor by the end of the week.