According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to name Julen Lopetegiu as their new manager. The former Porto coach was said to be in the running to replace Vincent Del Bosque as the Spain national team head coach.
Mundo Deportivo has also covered the same story, which would certainly be a shock move. There had been no suggestion that Wolves are looking to replace head coach Kenny Jackett at Molineux. Lopetegiu has very much come out of the blue.
It remains to be seen how creditable or true this report is. As of now, it has to be treated with caution. However given Lopetegiu was linked with the Spain job, and a Spanish source says he has a job elsewhere, perhaps there is something in this.
Whilst it was a frustrating season for Wolves last season, there was no expectation that Jackett would be relieved of his duties. Firing him at this time of the year would be quite bizarre. Even more so if they replaced him with someone who has no experience of English football. Lopetegiu has played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona. He has also coached Spain at Under-17, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level, it would still be a shock.
The Express & Star has since said that any talk of Lopetegiu being appointed are wide of the mark. It was also mentioned that the club would be taken over by Chinese investors. Both claims have been dismissed.
