Michael Beale shock next Wolves manager candidate with bookies despite Rangers boss previously rejecting Molineux side

Michael Beale is the shock second favourite to become the next Wolves boss.

The Rangers manager was a target for the Midlands side while in charge of Queens Park Rangers but he rejected the chance to take over at Molineux. Now bookies reckon there is a chance of another approach with Spaniard Julen Lopetegui reportedly set to walk away from the English Premier League side

Former Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil is the odds-on favourite but Beale is second in the betting at 6/4 with some firms. Former Spain boss Lopetegui took over in November when Wolves were anchored to the foot of the Premier League table before guiding them to safety. But the club’s chaotic financial position has led to speculation he could quit.

Beale was targeted by Wolves before when they were on the hunt for a replacement for Bruno Lage. Beale said at the time: "Wolves is a fantastic football club and it was a real privilege to be asked to speak to them but I didn't think it was the right moment because I entered into an agreement here. Integrity and loyalty are big things for me, and if they are the values you live by you have to be strong. I have been all-in here and I have asked other people to be all-in so I can't be the first person to run away from the ship.”

But a short time after that he left Loftus Rangers to return to Ibrox Stadium where he had assisted Steven Gerrard. Gambling.com now have him as second favourite for Wolves to come back in - and for the Londoner to accept.

Beale has been feeling the heat since the Scottish Premiership defeat to Kilmarnock on Saturday but he said: "I wouldn't switch position with anybody else. I love the job I have. It's a huge privilege."

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