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SportsCasting
SportsCasting
James Chittick

Vitor Pereira: Wolves Lining Up Ex-Porto Boss As Gary O'Neil Replacement

Wolves are reportedly in talks with former Porto boss Vitor Pereira as they look to replace Gary O’Neil, who was sacked on Sunday.

The West Midlands club are 19th in the Premier League table, and parted ways with O’Neil following Saturday’s home defeat to fellow strugglers Ipswich Town.

There were ugly scenes at full-time as tempers flared amongst Wolves’ players and staff.

With O’Neil relieved of his duties, Wolves are said to be keen on making a swift appointment for his successor.

Former Porto and Olympiakos boss Pereira, 56, is currently managing Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League.

According to a report by the BBC, Pereira is the front-runner for the job, with compensation between the two clubs not thought to be an issue.

Should a deal not be agreed, ex-West Ham, Everton and Manchester United boss David Moyes is believed to be another option.

Vitor Pereira Frontrunner For Wolves Job

Pereira took over at Al-Shabab in February, securing an eighth-placed finish last season. They are currently sixth after 13 games, with seven wins.

While at Porto, the Portuguese manager won the 2012 and 2013 Primieira Liga titles. He then lifted the Greek Super League with Olympiakos in 2015.

Negotiations are said to be moving quickly, and the new boss could be in place before next weekend’s trip to Leicester City.

Are Wolves Already A Sinking Ship?

Gary O’Neil was dismissed with Wolves four points from safety. The loss to Ipswich was bad, but the manner of it was particularly painful.

Having gone behind to an own goal, they drew level with 18 minutes to go through Matheus Cunha.

Ipswich then grabbed a winner deep into added time to consign Wolves to am 11th defeat in 16 league games.

Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said: “We’re very grateful to Gary for all of his effort, dedication and hard work during his time at the club, and we wish him and his team the best of luck for the future.”

Aside from their well-documented struggles on the field, Wolves have suffered numerous issues within the squad.

Mario Lemina was stripped of the captaincy after the loss at West Ham. Rayan Ait-Noura was then dismissed after the final whistle on Sunday, while Cunha was involved in an altercation with several members of Ipswich’s staff.

The atmosphere at Molineux is beyond toxic, and – should he take the job – Vitor Pereira will need too calm things rapidly if Wolves want any hope of survival.

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