Ex-Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui ‘wanted to replace sacked Nuno Espirito Santo’ but is waiting for Premier League job

JULEN LOPETEGUI could be offered a job in Saudi Arabia – but he wants to hold out for a Premier League position instead.

Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked by Al-Ittihad on Tuesday.

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Julen Lopetegui will reject offers in a bid to get back to the Premier League[/caption]

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Fellow ex-Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked by Al-Ittihad last night[/caption]

And Al-Ittihad are reportedly looking to replace one ex-Wolves manager with another.

The Saudi powerhouse sacked Nuno after a poor start to the season, despite wining the Saudi Pro League earlier this year.

The final straw came when the side, who boast Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante on their books, suffered a 2-0 defeat by Air Force Club of Iraq in the Asian Champions League on Monday.

Their Saudi title defence has so far been disastrous, already trailing league leaders Al-Hilal – who have the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly and Neymar in their squad – by 11 points after just 12 games.

Club bosses are claimed to be exploring the possibility of luring Lopetegui to the Saudi Pro League.

However, the Spaniard’s preference is reportedly to remain in the Premier League.

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague tweeted: “I have heard there is real interest from #AlIttihad for #JulenLopetegui.

“His plan is clear. He will remain in England and wait for an opportunity in the #PremierLeague.

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“Every team that has contacted him in the past including Lyon and Villarreal was heard, but I think his idea is clear.

“Let’s see if an enormous offer changes his mind, but I doubt it.”

There are currently no Premier League positions available for which Lopetegui can interview.

He was previously considered by Manchester United if they failed to land Erik ten Hag.

Lopetegui, 57, dramatically walked out on the Molineux club just three days before the start of the Premier League season after falling out with club chiefs.

The former Spain boss remains one of Europe’s most-respected coaches and did a remarkable job last season as Wolves avoided relegation with relative ease.