Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly begun the process of sounding out potential replacements for Julen Lopetegui.
During the second half of last season, the Spaniard instigated an upturn in fortunes for Wolves, taking the club from bottom in the Premier League to a 13th-placed finish.
Lopetegui was essentially provided with £73m to strengthen his squad with six additions, who all contributed on and off the pitch to retain the West Midlands outfit's top-flight status.
The former Sevilla boss was under the impression that he would receive further funds to build a squad capable of mounting a charge for European football.
However, it has since become apparent that owners Fosun International are instead focused on ensuring that Wolves meet all FFP criteria later in the season.
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Despite generating in the region of £90m through sales and the wage bill being significantly lowered, Wolves' only addition this summer has been that of Matt Doherty on a free transfer.
With Wolves' allegedly missing out on several of Lopetegui's targets, including Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott, the future of the 56-year-old remains up in the air.
According to The Mirror, Wolves are now trying to prepare themselves for the potential resignation of Lopetegui by assessing the market for alternatives.
While no names are specifically mentioned, it is suggested that Wolves are gauging interest from elsewhere with just over a week remaining until their first Premier League fixture of the season at Manchester United on August 14.
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Although Lopetegui is said to have reservations about the depth and quality of his squad, Wolves have enjoyed a productive pre-season thus far.
After a 1-0 victory over Porto in Portugal, draws have been posted against each of Celtic and Luton Town, Wolves dominating the latter without finding the breakthrough in a stalemate.
Unlike last year, Fabio Silva and Sasa Kalajdzic are now part of the senior ranks, the former spending last season on loan at Anderlecht and PSV Eindhoven respectively and the latter suffering a serious knee injury on his debut in September.
Wolves are reportedly keen to offload Jonny and Daniel Podence, while Rayan Ait-Nouri may return to French football if a suitable offer is made before the end of August.
Darren Plant
