Wolves make QPR boss and ex-Gerrard confidant Beale ‘number one target to replace Lage’

News Desk
Wolves approach Beale

Wolves have reportedly made QPR manager Michael Beale their ‘number one target to replace Bruno Lage’ and they are expected to ‘move quickly’.

Beale was Steven Gerrard’s assistant manager at Rangers and Aston Villa. He left the Premier League side in the summer to become QPR’s head coach.

Under him, they have enjoyed a great start to the new season as they sit sixth in the Championship.

Wolves have been on the lookout for a replacement since Bruno Lage was sacked at the start of this month.

The Athletic are now reporting that Beale has been identified as their first-choice candidate to replace Lage.

Wolves are ‘expected to move quickly’ and contact is ‘anticipated’ between them and QPR.

It is understood that Beale’s contract at QPR includes a release clause but the price has not been disclosed.

Steve Davis is currently Wolves’ caretaker manager. They let slip a 1-0 lead against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night as they eventually lost 2-1.

Wolves currently sit 17th in the Premier League. When asked if their ongoing search for a new manager is impacting their form, Davis answered: “Maybe? I don’t know.

“No. I think the mood is good. I wouldn’t suggest that within the camp. Spirit’s high. They were disappointed (at Palace) because they felt like we should have gotten something from the game.

“They’re doing everything we want them to do, they’re fully committed. Hopefully they show that commitment to whoever the new guy is. They’re in a good place. Despite the result they are in a good place, believe it or not.

“Their spirits are very, very good around the training ground. Everyone is working hard for each other. We’re working hard to get out of the situation that we’re in at the moment.”

Whoever is in charge at the weekend will have to contend with the club’s ongoing fitness challenges.

Adama Traore scored the opener against Palace on Tuesday night before Eberechi Eze and Wilfried Zaha turned the match around at Selhurst Park.

Adama Traore’s substitution was one of three Davis made after 58 minutes, with Boubacar Traore and Matheus Nunes also coming off the pitch, decisions the caretaker boss confirmed were absolutely necessary.

Davis admitted Adama Traore was a doubt before the match and he needed to limit his playing time, while full first-team debutant Boubacar Traore was “fatiguing massively” after setting up the first goal and Nunes got a “bang on the head”.

Davis continued: “We got everybody off that’ll be available for Sunday, and hopefully they can get nearer to 90 minutes, because obviously it’s frustrating taking players off that do well, because you don’t want to do that. You want to keep players on the pitch that are causing problems.

“So it is frustrating, but hopefully Sunday those players will be able to compete longer minutes on the pitch to give us the best chance of winning the game.”

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