Paul Lambert set to officially depart Wolves – with Nuno Espirito Santo waiting in the wings
Paul Lambert is expected to officially depart Wolves on Tuesday, the Express & Star understands – with Nuno Espirito Santo waiting in the wings as his successor.
The Scot will leave after just six months in charge and will be the third head coach relieved of his duties by owners Fosun since they bought the club last July.
Kenny Jackett was sacked within days of Fosun taking over and his successor Walter Zenga lasted just 87 days.
Lambert's replacement, ex-Valencia and Porto boss Nuno, is likely to be announced within the following 24 hours.
The fates of Lambert's backroom staff are also set to be revealed.
Stuart Taylor and Rob Edwards have assisted Lambert as first-team coaches but it’s thought that Nuno will bring his own staff with him, meaning goalkeeping coach Pat Mountain and fitness chief Tony Daley could also be at risk.
The club have stayed tight-lipped throughout the past two-and-a-half weeks since it became known that Lambert’s exit was likely.
Owners Fosun have undertaken a comprehensive review of their first season in English football and have come to the conclusion that Lambert isn’t the man to take them forward.
The Scot signed a one-year rolling contract when he succeeded Walter Zenga in November.
Agent Jorge Mendes has been influential in bringing his client Nuno to the club. A transfer involving Nuno was the first deal Mendes ever did and he is now a close advisor to Fosun.
Nuno has previously worked with current Hearts boss Ian Cathro at both Rio Ave and Valencia.
He also briefly had ex-Manchester United and England player Phil Neville as his assistant at Valencia.
Nuno’s imminent arrival is expected to herald a clutch of signings from Portugal, as was the case last summer after Fosun bought the club for £30million.
Several players with links to Benfica – Helder Costa, Ivan Cavaleiro, Silvio, Joao Teixeira and Ola John – arrived in quick succession.
Wolves have already been strongly linked with 23-year-old centre-half Fabio Cardoso from Vitoria de Setubal.
Portuguese youth international Cardosa began his career at Benfica and it’s thought it would cost at least £1m to bring him to Molineux.
