Ex-Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui REJECTS Wolves as club continue search for Bruno Lage replacement

JULEN LOPETEGUI has turned down the chance to become Wolves boss.

The Spaniard, 56, met with chairman Jeff Shi at the weekend to discuss taking over at Molineux.

But ex-Real Madrid boss Lopetegui has decided against a move to the Black Country, partly due to his father suffering from ill health.

He was sacked by Sevilla on Wednesday following the 4-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund and had become the clear frontrunner to succeed axed Bruno Lage.

Lopetegui almost became Wolves boss way back in 2016.

He had agreed to replace Kenny Jackett before the deal collapsed at the 11th hour after he was offered the chance to manage the Spanish national team.

However, he was dramatically sacked just before the 2018 World Cup after he agreed to take over at the Bernabeu.

Wolves will now approach other targets in the coming days.

Former Olympiacos chief Pedro Martins is the bookies' favourite now ahead of Sporting boss Ruben Amorim.

Under-18s manager Steve Davis and under-21s chief James Collins took charge of the club for their 3-0 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday.

HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL

The duo are now also set to lead Wolves into their home game with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Wolves currently sit slumped in the relegation zone.

Their tally of six points from nine matches - with one win and three draws - is only better than this weekend's opponents Forest and Leicester.