Wolverhampton Wanderers are still searching for their next manager following the sacking of Bruno Lage after a 2-0 defeat against West Ham United at the start of the month.

Spaniard Julen Lopetegui was Wolves' main target to replace Lage, but he turned down the job due to family reasons, however, might there be a U-turn in the near future?

Journalist Guillem Balague has dropped a hint regarding what the future holds for the 56-year-old, saying: "I'm convinced a lot more managers are coming. Lopetegui will be in the Premier League very soon and both of [Lopetegui and Unai Emery] will make things very harder."

With Steve Davis and James Collins remaining in charge until at least January 2023, it will give the club time to look for a new manager.

Lopetegui would be a huge coup

The former goalkeeper was sacked by Sevilla following a 4-1 rout against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League three weeks ago and is therefore free to speak to other teams.

He does have plenty of experience in La Liga while holding a managerial win percentage of 57.5%, which is solid if unspectacular.

Last season, his Sevilla side lost just four league matches, but a lack of consistency failed to generate a solid title challenge.

Having led the Spanish U19s and U21s to European Championship glory, he joined Porto but left after a trophyless 18-month spell.

Lopetegui then guided Spain to the 2018 World Cup, however, he was dismissed on the eve of the tournament as it was revealed he was taking charge of Real Madrid once the competition was over. This spell wasn’t successful and it wasn’t until claiming the Europa League title in 2020 with perennial winners Sevilla that he won his first club managerial honour.

His career has been a mixed bag, to say the least, but Wolves need someone with experience, and landing a coach with the history of Lopetegui would undoubtedly be a huge coup for the Old Gold - who are currently staring down the barrel of a relegation battle this season.