Former Wolves favourite ‘in talks’ over sensational managerial return to replace Bruno Lage

Nuno Espirito Santo is reportedly in talks to take over as the new Wolverhampton Wanderers manager. The former Wolves man is being heavily considered for a sensational return – filling the role left vacant by the recently departed Bruno Lage.

The Athletic reports the Wanderers have opened discussions with Nuno’s representatives - and it is said the Portuguese manager has his heart set on an emotional return to Molineux. Fabrizio Romano, a reliable transfer news journalist, has also confirmed negotiations are ongoing.

In his previous Wolves spell, before he left and joined Tottenham a month later, Nuno spent four seasons at Molineux, leading the club to promotion to the Premier League, as well as a first European qualification since 1981. On an individual basis, the 48-year-old won three top-flight Manager of the Month awards while at Wolves.

If Nuno were to return, he would be putting pen to paper just 17 months after departing the club. Supporters have had a mixed reaction to the news, with some keen and others hoping the Wanderers turn to a different candidate.

One Twitter user, @MarkCollis17, said: “The problem is Nuno’s tactics got found out. Great in the first couple of seasons in the Prem when teams came onto us and we hit them with counter-attacking football. But once teams started to sit in more that’s when his tactics came unstuck.”

Another Twitter user, @clairebear1877, said: “If he was employed with caution - that he must play attractive, attacking football and they will support him in his forward targets to facilitate that - I would be happy. Best football I have seen in over 40 years as a season ticket holder.”

Now nearly two weeks since Lage was sacked, there are plenty of names who have been linked with the Wolves job. Former Sevilla head coach Julen Lopetegui was one of these, but The Athletic reports the Spaniard has turned down the opportunity to head to the West Midlands.

Rob Edwards is another to have been sounded out, with the former Wolves defender recently relieved of his duties at Watford. The Athletic reports he is another to hold talks with the club - a potential contender alongside Nuno.