ROB EDWARDS is emerging as Wolves’ No1 managerial target.
Middlesbrough’s boss has replaced Gary O’Neil at the top of the club’s wish-list as they seek a replacement for the axed Vitor Pereira.
But SunSport understands Boro chairman Steve Gibson and his fellow chiefs are determined that Edwards stays in the North East to lead their promotion push.
And Boro sources insist Edwards’ contract does NOT include any release clause for a Prem move.
Edwards, 42, is a former academy coach at Molineux and spent four years on the playing staff.
The ex-Aston Villa trainee emerged as a top target after O’Neil withdrew from the running earlier this week.
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Ahead of Boro’s 1-1 draw at Leicester on Tuesday, Edwards said that he had seen the speculation regarding the vacancy as his attention was drawn to it by his family.
Wolves’ football leadership group were thought to be awaiting a recommendation from super-agent Jorge Mendes.
The Portuguese has a long association with the club and has been responsible for filling that position, most notably with Nuno Espirito Santo.
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But the number of head coaches willing to take on the only club currently without a win to its name in the Premier League was never going to be a long one.
It appears that Mendes has struck out – and so the Black Country outfit has turned to Edwards.
However, even if any deal and compensation is concluded quickly, he will not be in the dug-out at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Youth team coaches James Collins and Richard Walker will take over the managerial duties against Enzo Maresca’s side.
