It was only around 24 hours ago that Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly earmarked Michael Beale as their primary target for the vacant managerial role.
However, it appears the concept of joining the Premier League club does not appeal to Beale, as the Telegraph now reports that he has rejected the job offer.
Beale has turned down the chance to replace Bruno Lage, who was sacked after a poor start to the season, in favour of continuing with Queens Park Rangers.
The 42-year-old, a former assistant of Steven Gerrard at Rangers and Aston Villa, took QPR top of the Championship on Wednesday night with a 3-0 victory over Cardiff City.
After refusing to rule out a move away from Loftus Road when asked about Wolves’ interest in his services, Beale appears to have settled for remaining at QPR to continue his development.
Despite having managed only 15 games, Beale emerged as the first-choice candidate among a shortlist of several others for the role, including former Olympique Lyonnais boss Peter Bosz.
The Dutch manager was sent packing by the French Ligue 1 outfit following a poor run of form and an alleged falling out with the players.
QPR set Beale’s compensation clause for any club wishing to lure him away at £1.2 million. While Wolves had no problems meeting their asking price, Beale was not entirely sold on joining them.
Wolves are understood to be working through two lists of candidates, one of coaches working abroad and another of those based in Britain. Beale was top of the latter.
Wolves have also approached former manager Nuno Espirito Santo, currently in charge of the Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad.
There have been discussions with the former Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui but the 56-year-old turned down the job to care for his unwell father back in Spain.
The club’s academy coach Steve Davis, who has been in charge of the first team on an interim basis, has overseen one win and two defeats in three games.
The former Wolves Under-18s head coach has done a solid job bridging the gap to a new appointment while the club continues their search for a permanent manager, who they hope to install before the World Cup.
