Reading boss McDermott on Wolves radar

Wolves are continuing their search to replace sacked manager Mick McCarthy with Reading’s Brian McDermott emerging as a potential new candidate, it is understood.

Steve Bruce has been the bookmakers’ favourite for the past few days after the withdrawal of Alan Curbishley from the race.

But sources indicate McDermott is on the radar of Wolves owner Steve Morgan and chief executive Jez Moxey, although it is unclear whether they have yet firmed up their interest.

The former Arsenal player has moulded the Royals into a promotion chasing side in the npower Championship, despite the sale of striker Shane Long and defender Matt Mills last summer.

McDermott is also on a one-year rolling contract and therefore would not cost huge amounts in compensation if Wolves decide he is the person they want to pursue to succeed McCarthy.

Brighton boss Guy Poyet has also been linked as a possible candidate, although sources close to Wolves have played down the interest in the Uruguayan.

Wolves would also be looking at having to pay a substantial compensation bill as Poyet is less than a season into a five-year contract.

Former Sunderland boss Bruce was the bookmakers’ favourites to take over from McCarthy, who was dismissed after a split boardroom vote last Monday.

But Bruce is still waiting to hear if and when he would be granted a second interview after holding initial talks on Friday with Morgan and Moxey.

It does now appear the search for a new manager may extend beyond Saturday’s clash at Newcastle, the initial target set my Moxey a week ago.

Curbishley ruled himself out of contention over concerns about how he would be expected to run the club after meeting Morgan and Moxey.

But reports the former Charlton and West Ham manager’s interest cooled because he was only offered a deal for the remaining 13 games of this season are wide of the mark.

Neil Warnock has now linked up with Leeds after some initial contact with Wolves.

Morgan is determined that his first managerial appointment will be the right one, with McCarthy already at the helm when he took control of the club.

McCarthy’s number two Terry Connor, who has been in charge of training, could now find himself having to take on a caretaker role unless there is a rapid gathering of pace in the managerial search.