Wolves new managerial target?
With Wolves apparently on the lookout for a new manager, Nuno Espírito Santo may be a new name to throw into the hat.
Santo was sacked last night by FC Porto and is a friend of Jorge Mendes, the super-agent that currently has strong links with the Wolverhampton club.
It is thought that current Wolves manager Paul Lambert is on his way out of the club after a disagreement with the hierarchy at Molineux. It has been rumoured that Mendes is helping the club in the search for a new manager.
Mendes’ friendship with Santo goes way back to 1995, where Mendes helped Santo, who was then a goalkeeper for Vitória Guimarães, sign for Deportivo La Coruna.
Santo landed his first managerial job at Portuguese Primeira Liga side Rio Ave, again thanks to help from his friend Jorge Mendes. At Rio Ave, Santo lead the club to Europa League qualification for the first time in their history this as well as winning the Portuguese Cup and League Cup finals.
After two rather successful seasons at Rio Ave, Santo moved onto managing Valencia. There he managed to get them into the top four but resigned in November 2015 after a defeat to Sevilla.
In June 2016, Santo signed a deal to become the new FC Porto manager. Traditionally one of the biggest clubs in Portugal, Santo struggled in his first season in charge. The club failed to win any silverware and Santo was subsequently relieved of his duties not long after the season had finished.
FC Porto and Valencia are both clubs that Jorge Mendes appears to have links to, similar to the links he has at Wolves.
The club have made it clear they are after high profile name to take charge. Current Spain manager Julen Lopetegui was set to take charge last summer when Fosun first purchased the club, but was approached by the Spanish FA at the last minute.
Wolves were then linked to Marco Silva, who has impressed at Hull City this season, despite them being relegated from the Premier League.
Despite his lack of experience in English football, Wolves may be tempted to try their luck and approach Santo to see if he would be interested in the role.
With Jorge Mendes in his ear, Santo may just be tempted.
