Wolves want new boss Julen Lopetegui at Molineux for next Saturday’s clash against Arsenal

Wolves hope to have new boss Julen Lopetegui at Molineux for next Saturday’s clash with Arsenal after announcing the appointment of the former Spain coach.

Lopetegui was not due to fly to England until next Sunday before taking formal control on November 14, but Sportsmail understands Wolves are now looking at whether he can attend their final fixture before the World Cup break.

Although the 56-year-old would have only a watching brief with caretaker manager Steve Davis in charge, Wolves believe his presence would provide a lift before the Premier League signs off until Boxing Day.

Wolves hope to have new manager Julen Lopetegui at Molineux against Arsenal next weekend

It is third time lucky for Wolves, who tried to hire Lopetegui after sacking Bruno Lage on October 2, only for Lopetegui to reject the move due to his father’s ill health. They had also offered him the job in 2016 but Lopetegui took charge of Spain instead.

Lopetegui was sacked by Sevilla on October 5 and is now ready to make a comeback, although his first league game at the helm is not until Boxing Day, when Wolves are at Everton.

Both the club and Lopetegui felt it was more important to allow him time to recharge and work with the squad during the break, rather than installing him this week.

The ex-Sevilla head coach is set to take formal control of the club during the World Cup break

Bruno Lage was sacked by the club last month after Wolves’ poor start to the league campaign

After being turned down by both Lopetegui and Queens Park Rangers boss Michael Beale, Wolves chairman Jeff Shi planned to leave Davis in place for the rest of 2023. 

But the 4-0 home defeat by Leicester last month convinced Shi to reopen talks with Lopetegui, his original target.

There are likely to be funds available to improve the squad during January, with a centre-forward the priority.