Wolves make official approach for QPR boss Michael Beale as Aston Villa’s former assistant set for Premier League job
Wolves have now formally approached Queens Park Rangers for permission to speak to their manager Michael Beale.
Beale was only appointed by QPR in the summer, signing a three-year contract at Loftus Road to succeed Mark Warburton, and he has the Hoops sitting top of the Championship after 15 games.
But Wednesday night's 3-0 victory over Cardiff at Loftus Road could now be his final match at the helm.
Wolves have made Beale their number one target to become their new manager following the departure of Bruno Lage and talks are set for Thursday.
Wolves owner Jeff Shi has spoken with both Peter Bosz and former manager Nuno Espirito Santo since sacking Lage at the start of October.
But Beale is his preferred choice and it is understood the 42-year-old is keen on making the switch to Molineux too.
Beale can speak Portuguese from his time at Sao Paulo, which will pose as a real benefit given the large number of Portuguese stars in the Wolves squad.
Wolves have won just two of their 11 games this season and are sitting a point above the relegation zone, having lost to Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.
QPR can do little to prevent Beale leaving as the former Liverpool coach has a release clause in his contract.
Beale has guided QPR up top spot in the Championship, winning eight of his 15 games in charge, and earning praise for his style of football.
It is his first managerial role, having previously served as assistant manager to Steven Gerrard at both Rangers and Aston Villa.
Beale is well regarded in the game with a reputation as a forward-thinking, progressive coach who has spent time at Chelsea, Liverpool and in Brazil with Sao Paulo.
Now he is poised for his first Premier League managerial job where he will become a Midlands rival of close pal Gerrard.
Following the 3-0 victory over Cardiff, Beale said: "I haven't spoken to [director of football] Les Ferdinand or anyone, so nothing has changed.
"I took the decision to turn my phone off because we had this game to concentrate on. The moment Les speaks to me I'll know one way or another. If an offer comes in officially, you don't have to take it. You have to weigh up everything.
"It would be difficult to leave. Football is about feelings and relationships. We've built strong relationships here.
"It's 100 per cent a dream of mine to manage in the Premier League. That's not a secret.
"But it has to be the right opportunity, the right moment and the right club. And they would have to give me a really clear understanding of where that club is going."