Wolves target Bruno Lage granted work permit

The Portuguese has had a successful hearing and is now eligible to succeed Nuno Espirito Santo at Molineux.

Former Benfica chief Lage did not automatically qualify for a work permit because of new rules implemented since Brexit, but he passed after an application was submitted to the FA.

The 45-year-old attack-minded coach, a client of Jorge Mendes, is the clear frontrunner for the job and highly likely to be appointed by Wolves.

Lage's contract details still need to be sorted out while his backroom team would also have to be granted work permits.

But it is believed those processes should go through smoothly ahead of a formal announcement.

The club have already held discussions with Lage and are attracted by his expansive style of play.

They are also hoping to carry on the Portuguese-heavy culture developed during Nuno's four-year reign and not start from scratch with a head coach of different nationality.

Wolves would be the second club that Lage has managed.

He previously spent 18 months at Benfica in Portugal's top flight and captured the title in his first season, but he was let go last summer following a run of two wins in 13 matches.

Lage has been a free agent since, having also previously worked as an assistant to Carlos Carvalhal at both Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea, and as a youth coach at Benfica.

Ex-Wolves manager Nuno, meanwhile, continues to be in the frame for both Crystal Palace and Everton following the departures of Roy Hodgson and Carlo Ancelotti respectively.