Julen Lopetegui: I worked hand in hand with Wolves

Lopetegui was courted by new owners Fosun throughout pre-season ahead of their £30million takeover.

But on the same day that Fosun's purchase of the club from Steve Morgan was completed in late July, Lopetegui was being unveiled as Spain boss.

The former Spain Under-21 boss had a last-minute change of heart when his country came calling, rejecting Wolves and Fosun who would soon sack Kenny Jackett and replace him with back-up choice Walter Zenga.

And in a new interview with the Guardian, Lopetegui has stated that he worked 'hand in hand' with Wolves for 'some time'.

Lopetegui said: "When the federation called, naturally my objective became the national team, but it's true that before that (Wolves and I) had been working hand in hand for some time.

"It was very close but in the end it wasn't to be. I enjoyed the time I spent with them; there were offers from the Premier League but their project was especially attractive.

"Wolves is a great club, where there would be significant investment and a desire to grow, to shine again."

Lopetegui will on Tuesday lead Spain out at Wembley for a friendly clash against Gareth Southgate's England.

Despite turning down Wolves, it's clear that he has huge respect for the English game.

"I'm passionate about English football; it's lived in a special way, unique," Lopetegui added.

"There's a culture of believing in mid- and long-term projects.

"Admittedly, that's changing: the division with the most (managerial) changes in the world last season was the Championship.

"But there's respect, a willingness to build properly, patience. Then there's the fans' passion. England invented football and the culture's special.

"The challenge of bringing something new to English football was attractive; the chance to applying some of our culture, things I thought could help."