Al-Shabab head coach Vitor Pereira
Wolves are in talks to acquire Vitor Pereira from Al-Shabab
Wolves have identified Vitor Pereira, the head coach of Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Shabab, as their top choice to succeed Gary O'Neil.
The Premier League strugglers confirmed on Sunday afternoon that O'Neil had been relieved of his duties following Saturday's demoralising last-gasp defeat against Ipswich Town.
And they've wasted little time in making their move to fill the role by approaching Al-Shabab for Pereira, 56. Wolves are ready to pay the release clause in Pereira's contract, which could make a move relatively straightforward.
The Black Country outfit are already working on a deal and that personal terms are unlikely to be a problem given Pereira is keen on the move.
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Pereira has won titles at Porto, Olympiacos and Shanghai SIPG during his managerial career and is said to speak multiple languages, including very strong English.
While Pereira has championship-winning experience, previous links to a Premier League role led to protests at Everton. He was touted as a contender to take the top job at Goodison Park back in 2022, only for fans to bite back at the links.
There were concerns harboured over aspects of his career, including the fact Pereira had overseen 1860 Munich's relegation to the German third-tier back in 2017.
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WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O'Neil during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Ipswich Town FC at Molineux on December 14, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Gary O'Neil was sacked by Wolves on Sunday ( Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Disgruntled fans sent a message to Farhad Moshiri by applying graffiti to the walls at Goodison Park, with a message which read 'Pereira out, Lampard in', referencing links to Frank Lampard, who would go on to land the job.
Wolves face Leicester City in a huge fixture next Sunday and the next few days will shed some light on whether or not they will be able to make an appointment in time for their trip to the King Power.
Wolves chairman Jeff Shi, who had thrown his support behind O'Neil just days before the Ipswich clash, said of his departure on Sunday: "We're very grateful to Gary for all of his effort, dedication and hard work during his time at the club, and we wish him and his team the best of luck for the future."
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