Express & Star

Nuno Espirito Santo edges closer to Wolves hot seat

Nuno Espirito Santo is edging closer to becoming Wolves boss after positive talks with the club – as bookies slashed the odds on him replacing Paul Lambert.

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The 43-year-old is Fosun's number one choice to succeed Lambert who the club look set to sack after just six months in charge.

Nuno left Portuguese side Porto a week ago by mutual consent and his agent and close friend Jorge Mendes has brokered the deal for him to move to Molineux.

The Portuguese ex-goalkeeper, who speaks good English, is expected to take charge in the coming days. Discussions are ongoing as to the make-up of his backroom staff.

And last night one prominent bookmaker was offering odds of 1/50 on him being Wolves' next boss.

Fosun began a comprehensive review of all aspects of the 2016/17 season a few weeks ago and with the owners seemingly keen to move on Lambert has been left in limbo. The Scot signed a one-year rolling contract when he took charge last November.

Meanwhile midfield starlet Connor Ronan says he's over his injury woes – and is now targeting a first team place next season.

The 19-year-old midfielder missed the last three months of 2016/17 with a stress fracture in his back.

Ireland youth international Ronan should be in full flow for pre-season and wants to build on the six impressive appearances he made in his breakthrough season.

"Since I’ve been back (outside), I’ve had no problems - I’m feeling fit and I’ve had no problems with the injury either so it’s going well and hopefully I’ll be back for pre-season," Ronan said.

"Mentally, it’s not been too bad - the only thing that is, is missing football.

"In the games that I played, I think I can say that I showed glimpses of what I can do in the games where I came off the bench - and in the two or three starts that I had, I think I showed that I can do it at a good enough level.

"I want to get better and try and better myself, technically as well - get back training and then hopefully I’ll be getting a place in that first team.

"This season, hopefully I’ll be in the first team from the start of the season - it will be more of a chance for me to prove myself if I can get a few games on the bounce and get some momentum in my game and get some confidence going.

"Then, I can try and cement my place not only in the first team squad but then try and cement my place in the starting XI as well."