Rob Edwards is of interest to Wolves regarding the vacant manager’s position – and any arrival could hand the club a golden transfer opportunity in January.
Edwards is now Wolves top target, after Gary O’Neil withdrew from the running.
O’Neil was all set to return to Molineux, but ended up walking away due to being unable to agree working conditions. It’s also been suggested the backlash from fans online may have played a part in O’Neil’s decision.
It was claimed on Tuesday morning that Edwards is Wolves’ top target to succeed Vitor Pereira.
Molineux News understands that Boro are worried about Wolves’ interest in Edwards, with Wanderers having no reservations about cost.
It remains to be seen if there’ll be an approach, and if Wolves can convince their former defender to leave Middlesbrough.
But if it does happen, then Wolves may stand an improved chance of signing Hayden Hackney.
Rob Edwards could boost Wolves’ chances of signing Hayden Hackney
At the end of the summer transfer window, Wolves showed interest in Hayden Hackney.
But ultimately, Boro were unwilling to sell the midfielder, and Wolves frustratingly finished the summer without signing a player for that position.
Journalist Liam Keen has previously reported that a midfielder will be on the agenda for Wolves in January – and Hackney is likely still on the club’s list of targets ahead of the next window.
He’ll be difficult to get, but perhaps the task would be made easier if Edwards became Wolves’ new manager.
Obviously the pair are currently working together, and Hackney has been a regular this season under Edwards. Hackney is third for most minutes played (1152) this season for Boro, behind only Sol Brynn (goalkeeper, 1170) and Alfie Jones (1239).
Edwards appeared to play down Wolves’ interest in him earlier this week, and last night after his side’s game with Leicester City, he again stated that his focus is on Boro. But as we saw with O’Neil’s withdrawal, there can be twists in the tale, so there is still an outside chance he could head to Molineux.
What Edwards has said about Hackney’s Middlesbrough future
Hackney is widely regarded as one of the best players in the Championship, and someone who could be on the move before much longer.
Boro will be desperate to retain him beyond January, especially if their push for promotion still looks alive.
Hackney has impressed again this term for Middlesbrough, and Edwards recently sang his praises.
Speaking about the potential for him to sign a new deal at the club, he said: “He’s a big player for us. We’ll always try to do what’s right by the football club, but there’s also always an element of what’s right for the players as individuals themselves.
“He’s a really good player, and he dealt with all that period of time in the summer really well. Friday night probably just cemented why it’s so important that he’s with us, going up against the team that wanted him.”
Hackney has 18 months left on his contract, so if he does not sign an extension soon, perhaps Boro may consider selling in the next window if the offer is right.
The problem for Wolves, of course, is that the club are in a period of turmoil and may struggle to sell their project to potential new signings right now. But if Edwards gets the job, perhaps he can help to lure Hackney.