Wolves: Jeff Shi could seal 'big advantage' in title-winning manager at Molineux

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ next manager does not have to be Portuguese, but the ability to communicate with the club’s core players would be a ‘big advantage’, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The West Midlands outfit are on the hunt for a new boss after owners Fosun and chairman Jeff Shi made the decision to sack Bruno Lage after a slow start to the season.

After Lage’s dismissal in the wake of a 2-0 defeat to West Ham, former Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui was made the club’s top choice to step into the Molineux dugout.

However, the club suffered a blow when the ex-Real Madrid manager turned down their offer, according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

The journalist says that Lopetegui rejected their advances as his 92-year-old father is currently unwell.

Former Olympiacos manager Pedro Martins has now been installed as the new favourite to take on Lage’s old role in the not-too-distant future.

The Portuguese was set to be appointed as Hull City’s next manager only for the deal to fall through after late reservations emerged for the 52-year-old.

Jones says that Wolves’ next manager does not have to necessarily be from Portugal but, given the make-up of the club’s first-team, it would certainly help.

Both managers appointed under Fosun’s reign have been from the European nation so it would not be a surprise to see that trend continue.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “It does not have to be someone Portuguese but obviously, with this squad, there are big advantages if the coach can communicate and improve the core.”

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If Wolves were to secure his services, it would certainly come with a number of potentially