Vitor Pereira set to hit the ground running at Wolves

The 56-year-old has agreed an 18-month contract to become the new boss at Molineux as he flew into the UK yesterday to tie up the loose ends on the deal. 

Wolves had to pay compensation to his Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab for his services as he replaces former boss Gary O'Neil with the team in 19th position in the Premier League table. 

It is understood he could take his first training session as Wolves boss as early as today with an announcement confirming his appointment set to be imminent. 

Academy coaches James Collins and Richard Walker took first-team training yesterday.

There is plenty of work for Pereira to do at Molineux with his new side having conceded 40 goals so far this season in the league.  

They are five points from safety - and have a poor goal difference - as they head to the King Power Stadium on Sunday. 

He is expected to bring several members of his coaching staff with him to Wolves, including long-time assistant Luis Miguel.

Pereira's managerial career began almost two decades ago when he won two league titles with Porto. 

He has taken charge of several clubs, including Porto, Olympiacos, Fenerbahce, Shanghai SIPG and Al-Ahli.

He impressed South American observers during a spell at Corinthians in Brazil. 

During his time in Sao Paulo, he took them to fourth in the league and the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores - the Brazillian equivalent of the Champions League. 

He signed a one-year deal to take over at Al Shabab in February this year, but now is set to complete his move to Molineux. 

Pereira was close to managing in the Premier League before as he almost joined Everton in 2022 - former England midfielder Frank Lampard ended up getting the job ahead of him.

This weekend's opponents have improved of late since former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy took over from Steve Cooper. 

They have taken four points from his first three games in charge after they beat West Ham, and got a point against Brighton before suffering his first loss as they were drubbed 4-0 by Newcastle at the weekend. 

Pereira will be thrown in at the deep end as Wolves take on Manchester United on Boxing Day before making the trip to Tottenham Hotspur for their final game of 2024.