Sources close to the former Burnley and Bolton manager say the Scot would relish the chance to rebuild Wolves' battered standing after their 'double-dip' relegation.

Coyle, who left Bolton last October, believed he had a strong chance of an early return to management in January when Stale Solbakken was sacked, only for Dean Saunders to get the job instead.

It's understood no approach has been made to the former Bolton striker from Wolves or through a third party.

But he is available and sources say he isn't put off by Wolves' drop into League One next season in the belief that the right candidate could win back-to-back promotions.

Coyle is no stranger to taking a team up after leading Burnley into the Premier League on a shoestring budget playing attractive football.

He also proved he can attract and enhance talented young players with his 'finishing school' at Bolton, by taking future England internationals Jack Wilshere and Daniel Sturridge on season-long loans and improving them.

And his desire to return to management at Wolves appears to meet with the approval of the Molineux masses.

The 46-year-old is the overwhelming choice of fans to succeed Saunders in the hotseat.

Advertising

Coyle received more than 43 per cent of votes in the latest Express & Star poll asking fans who they want to lead the club up from League One.

Bookies' favourite Kenny Jackett, who continues to be the name nailed- on with those on the footballing grapevine, is sixth in the fans' poll with less than six per cent of the vote.

That's below Blackpool chief Paul Ince and Milton Keynes Dons boss Karl Robinson.

One factor which could count against Coyle is his reputation for bringing a size-able backroom staff with him.

Advertising

It's understood he had seven people with him at Burnley, who all joined him at the Reebok Stadium, the remnants of whom have only recently left.

Being prevented from bringing his staff with him is understood to have turned him away from the Blackpool job before Ince was installed.

And, should Wolves be interested, they could face competition from Wigan if Roberto Martinez leaves to fill the Everton job, following David Moyes' departure to replace the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

Wolves' switch in direction to appoint a head coach rather than a manager will rule out certain candidates.

Traditional managers such as Neil Warnock would seem an unlikely 'fit' for the continental-type model that has been such a success for arch-rivals West Brom.

It's understood veteran promotion winner Warnock has enquired about the post, but the club haven't got back to him.

But Jackett's quiet manner and long-term philosophy would appear to fit the profile of candidate drawn up by Wolves as they look for stability after the flawed regimes of Terry Connor, Solbakken and Saunders.

Another potential candidate who would fit the criteria is fans' favourite Keith Downing, now assistant head coach at West Brom.