Wolves head coach front runner revealed as shortlist drawn up
Wolves have been denied permission by Middlesbrough to speak to Rob Edwards about their vacant head coach role.
Edwards is the front runner to become Wolves' new head coach as they draw up their final shortlist, but Championship high-flyers Boro have rejected an initial approach for the Telford-born former Wolves defender, academy coach and one-time interim boss.
Wolves were in advanced talks with Gary O'Neil about a shock return to the club, before he pulled out of the race and the club continued assessing other candidates.
Edwards has always been high on that list of possible successors to Vitor Pereira, who was sacked on Sunday, and it is now understood that talks have taken place with representatives about a move.
Wolves have also been considering other candidates and have a final shortlist drawn up, of which Edwards is their number one target, as they aim to make an appointment as soon as possible.
Edwards is currently impressing with Middlesbrough, who sit third in the Championship, and it is understood the Teesside club are determined to keep him.
Reports have suggested Edwards has a release clause in his contract.
In the meantime, James Collins is set to take charge of Wolves' trip to Chelsea on Saturday.
The under-21s coach has taken training all of this week, alongside under-18s manager Richard Walker, following the sacking of Pereira after the 3-0 defeat to Fulham last week.
An appointment is unlikely to be made in time for the new head coach to take the team at Stamford Bridge, for the 8pm kick-off in the capital.
Collins has also been lined up by the club to take tomorrow's (Friday) pre-match press conference as he prepares the team to face the Blues.
Wolves then enter the international break following the match at Chelsea, which will give the new appointment time with the players available to train and prepare for the Molineux clash against Crystal Palace.
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