Middlesbrough grant Rob Edwards permission to speak to Wolves after he is STOOD DOWN from his job hours before kick-off

Middlesbrough have given Rob Edwards permission to speak to Wolverhampton Wanderers after dramatically accusing the Premier League club of an illegal approach to their manager.

The North Yorkshire outfit defeated Edwards in today’s match against Birmingham City, who has shown interest in filling the managerial vacancy at Wolves.

Boro said they initially rejected the Black Country club’s offer because the 42-year-old had only signed a three-year contract this summer.

However, the head coach has expressed interest in taking over at Wolves, who are currently bottom of the Premier League table, and is now in pole position to take over once the parties agree terms.

The shocking saga that played out in full public view was confirmed by Middlesbrough, who declared their ‘disappointment’ in Edwards in a harsh statement.

The club said: ‘Middlesbrough Football Club has given head coach Rob Edwards permission to speak to Wolves, subject to the completion of the deal with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.

‘We initially rejected Wolves’ approach on the basis that Rob had signed a three-year contract with MFC less than six months earlier.

‘Following our discussions with Rob, we were disappointed to learn that he wanted to speak to Wolves about their head coach vacancy. We have agreed terms with Wolves, subject to completion of the relevant paperwork.

‘First team coaches Adi Viveash and Harry Watling and Academy manager Craig Liddle will be responsible for team affairs for Saturday’s match against Birmingham City at the Riverside.’

Edwards did not attend training or the pre-match press conference at Boro on Friday ahead of Saturday’s match, with Wolves reportedly closing in on the Championship side attacking.

A club source said: Telegram: ‘Unfortunately, Wolves behaved to a lower standard than we expected and we believe this behavior breached Premier League rules.’

Boro are said to be concerned about Edwards’ safety on the touchline and fans are angered by his potential departure. They sit third in the Championship and today’s game will be an important one as Birmingham visit Riverside today on the back of two straight 4-0 wins.

Boro rejected Wolves’ initial approach for Edwards and Wolves would have to pay compensation to secure him. However, although it is not yet clear whether he will accept the offers, it is thought that many Boro players expect Edwards to transfer to Molineux.

Wolves initially made a move for their former boss Gary O’Neil, but O’Neil withdrew from the race due to huge hostility from fans and players’ doubts about his return.

Edwards, 42, played for Wolves from 2004-08 and spent six years as manager at Molineux before leaving in 2019 to take up a position with the FA.