Wolves were today arranging second interviews for the vacant manager’s job – putting Steve Bruce back in the spotlight.

But they have dismissed reports from earlier today suggesting they have targeted Reading’s director of football Nicky Hammond, as well as manager Brian McDermott, as “rubbish.”

Wolves want purely a manager at this stage and there is no suggestion that they are looking to combine the appointment with a scouting and recruitment-type post as well.

• Steve Bruce link is no bonus for Wolves fans

The fact a second round of talks are now set to take place suggests Alan Curbishley and Bruce, who were both interviewed last week, are to be spoken to again.

That would explain the slashing of the bookies’ odds on Curbishley, after he turned down the job following initial discussions with chairman Steve Morgan and chief executive Jez Moxey.

Wolves are keen on McDermott but hey are being made to wait on their approach.

The Reading boss spoke with outgoing owner Sir John Madejski and new one Anton Zingarevich yesterday amid talk of a new, longer-term contract offer to replace his rolling 12-month deal.

And that delay appears to have allowed the more experienced managers back in the frame.

Moxey was today maintaining the cloak of confidentiality drawn up to protect the candidates.

He said: “We have got some second interviews that have not taken place yet.

“Ideally, we want the new man in place for the Newcastle game and that could still happen.”

Wolves maintain there has been no approach to Brighton for boss Gus Poyet.

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