Wolves are to make an official approach to Middlesbrough for Rob Edwards today, as they crank up their search for a new head coach.
Edwards is now Wolves’ No 1 target to replace Vitor Pereira, who was sacked on Sunday, and the Premier League’s bottom-placed club are moving to initiate negotiations.
Middlesbrough are reluctant to lose Edwards, who has guided the Championship club to third in the table, but Wolves are making a formal move to hire him as Pereira’s successor.
A former player for the club and a coach at Wolves’ academy, Edwards is highly regarded by the Molineux hierarchy and, in particular, executive chairman Jeff Shi.
Wolves are hoping that the 42-year-old’s long association with the club persuades him to leave Middlesbrough and join them within the next few days.
Edwards was always high on Wolves’ list of targets as they held discussions with Gary O’Neil, who withdrew himself from the process on Monday despite agreeing terms. He also appeals as he has prior experience of the Premier League after his time with Luton Town in the 23/24 season.
After Boro’s 1-1 draw at Leicester on Tuesday, Edwards addressed the links with Wolves and said: “It’s exactly the same, nothing has changed.
“As I keep on saying, it’s my wife and my daughter that are keeping me abreast of it all, I’ve not paid any attention to it at all myself.
“I’m just concentrating on my job here at Middlesbrough. That’s absolutely my only focus, and I’m really pleased with what we’ve delivered over the last couple of days.
“It’s been a difficult turnaround for everyone. I’m really pleased with everyone’s focus. Hopefully, you can clearly see that my mind has only been on this.”
Wolves face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend with caretakers James Collins and Richard Walker expected to take the team.
