Wolves have been refused by permission by Middlesbrough to talk to Rob Edwards over the manager’s job, talkSPORT understands.Former Wolves defender and ex-under-23 coach Edwards is believed to have a release clause in his Middlesbrough contract.GettyEdwards only took the Middlesbrough job in the summer[/caption]Gary O’Neil was close to agreeing personal terms before pulling out of a shock return to Molineux following a backlash from fans.Wolves have also discussed former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, but Edwards remains their top man.The promotion-winning Luton boss is well regarded among Wolves staff and has strong ties to the area.Despite some reports suggesting Edwards has distanced himself from the role, talkSPORT understands he is open to the potential move.However, Championship club Boro are not entertaining any offers for the 42-year-old after an official approach was made on Thursday afternoon.Wolves youth bosses James Collins and Richard Walker are expected to take charge of the match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday – which is live on talkSPORT, before making a permanent appointment.Wolves search for new managerWolves, who are bottom of the Premier League, are on the lookout for a new boss having relieved Pereira of his duties. A 3-0 defeat at Fulham last Saturday proved to be the Portuguese’s final match in charge of the club with the club revealing the following day that they’d called time on his spell at Molineux.Pereira said in a statement later on Sunday: “It has been a privilege to manage Wolverhampton Wanderers and experience unique moments with this club and its supporters.“I would like to thank the club’s owners for their trust, the players for their hard work and commitment over these months, and all the staff for making me feel part of the family.Pereira was dismissed after just over ten months as managerGettyIt looked like Wolves were going to get O’Neil back but he no longer wants the jobGetty“I wish the club all the best for the rest of the season.”Whoever ends up replacing Pereira has a mighty task ahead with Wolves already eight points off safety having obtained just two points from ten league matches this term.The race to find a successor has proved to be as frustrating as things have been on the pitch for Wolves’ FOSUN ownership group, however. O’Neil, who was sacked by Wolves less than a year ago, appeared to be in pole position to get the job back. talkSPORT understands that O’Neil was still being paid by the club until mid-December, which was one of the reasons he was seen as the attractive option to the club’s hierarchy. But it emerged on Monday evening that O’Neil withdrew from the interview process. Edwards played for Wolves between 2004-08MiddlesbroughWolves look to rob Rob from BoroDespite Middlesbrough’s firm stance, Edwards appears to be favourite for the Wolves job. He represented Wolves as a player for four years and coached their under-18 and under-23 sides.Edwards is currently in charge of Middlesbrough, who are second in the Championship, meaning his departure would be a huge setback in the team’s promotion bid.The 42-year-old only took the job in the summer having been out of work for five months after his sacking as Luton Town boss. The Englishman guided the Hatters to the Premier League, although they were relegated straight back to the Championship in the 2023/24 campaign. Next Wolves Manager OddsRob Edwards – 1/3Erik ten Hag – 10/1Brendan Rodgers – 12/1Robbie Keane – 12/1Odds provided by talkSPORT BET and subject to change. 18+Visit talkSPORT BET for all football betting odds.