Wolves set to make approach for Championship manager as they close in on Vitor Pereira's replacement

Wolves are preparing to make a formal move for Middlesbrough head coach Rob Edwards as they step up their search for Vitor Pereira's replacement.

The Premier League's bottom-placed side are expected to make an official approach shortly, according to reports, with Edwards emerging as the leading candidate to take charge at Molineux.

The 42-year-old has become Wolves' top choice following Pereira's dismissal on Sunday, and discussions are likely to follow over compensation and permission for talks.

Edwards, a former Wolves defender and academy coach, is admired for his coaching record and long-standing ties to the club. He made more than 100 appearances in the West Midlands and later worked in the youth setup before moving into senior management.

Middlesbrough are reluctant to lose their manager, who has guided the Championship side to third after a strong start to the season. 

According to The Telegraph, the Teessiders will resist an approach, but Wolves remain determined to secure their preferred candidate quickly.

Edwards was among several names discussed after Gary O'Neil withdrew from contention earlier this week. O'Neil, sacked by Wolves less than a year ago, held positive talks about a return but stepped away following opposition from supporters and unease among senior players.

Wolves' hierarchy want a new appointment in place before Saturday's trip to Chelsea, with first-team duties currently handled by coaches James Collins and Richard Walker. 

The club sit bottom of the Premier League after last weekend's 3-0 defeat at Fulham, which proved to be Pereira's final match in charge.

Asked about the speculation after Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Leicester, Edwards kept his focus on Middlesbrough, saying: '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.'

Pereira’s departure marked Wolves’ second managerial change in 11 months, leaving the club under pressure to stabilise results ahead of a demanding winter schedule.

Caretakers Collins and Walker will continue preparations for the Chelsea game while the club finalise their next head coach.