Rob Edwards to Wolves claim made by reporter who spoke to him directly this week

Wolves are in hot pursuit of Rob Edwards, and are faced with the task of luring him away from Middlesbrough.

With the working week at an end, it doesn’t look like Wolves will have a new manager in the dugout at Stamford Bridge.

They have, however, stepped up their pursuit of a former player and youth coach who is currently third in the Championship. Wolves want to pry Edwards from Middlesbrough, seeing him as the right man to lead Wolves for the remainder of the season.

And a reporter who sat down with the 42-year-old earlier this week has given his verdict on the potential hire.

The chances of Rob Edwards going to Wolves

Edwards has enjoyed a flying start to life at Middlesbrough. Arriving there in the summer, he has taken a side that finished 10th last season and has them comfortably in contention for promotion.

Martin Hardy, Northern sports correspondent for The Times, recently spoke with Edwards before the links to Wolves really took off, and he has now chimed in on the chances of Wolves getting their man.

Appearing on Sky Sports News, Hardy discussed the Edwards situation, what needs to be done and how likely Wolves are to pull off the deal.

He says: “I spent time with Rob yesterday and it’s an interview that may yet come off the cutting room floor because it was done just before Wolves made their first approach for Rob Edwards, which was turned down.

“As it stands, Rob Edwards is the manager of Middlesbrough Football Club and I think it’s going to need a significant offer of compensation from Wolves to unlock that. ”

By significant, he means millions. Edwards just signed a three-year contract with The Boro, and they won’t fancy letting him go amid their push for promotion. But their wishes might not matter all that much.

Hardy remarks: “But that would appear, if you’re going to push really hard for me to answer that, where we probably will end up.”

We had a good idea of that, anyway. Sources revealed Edwards is planning his Wolves staff already, and he has been absent from training and media duties at Middlesbrough. Wolves might have to fork out a significant sum, but it sounds like they have a good chance of getting their man.

• READ MORE: Pundit says he ‘can’t believe’ what he’s now heard about Rob Edwards and Wolves

The challenge facing Edwards at Wolves

If Wolves do get it over the line, Edwards will have some time to settle in over the international break.

Once club action gets back underway, though, it’s a crucial stretch ahead for the Old Gold.

Wolves didn’t capitalise on a favourable run including Sunderland and Burnley. There are no easy games between now and Christmas.

With a number of players set to miss a month for AFCON, the squad will be weakened. As such, they really have to get at least a couple of wins before that tournament kicks off.

Edwards — or whoever is on the sideline — will be under immense pressure to ensure the season isn’t lost before the turn of the new year.

• UPDATE: Middlesbrough make Birmingham decision on Rob Edwards amid Wolves speculation