FORMER Cherries boss Gary O’Neil is reportedly favourite to replace Julien Lopetegui if the Wolves manager leaves his position.

talkSPORT report that O’Neil, who was sacked as Cherries boss this summer, is top of Wolves’ list in case Lopetegui walks away from his role at Molineaux.

Lopetegui has frequently aired his frustrations over Wolves’ lack of incomings this pre-season, the west Midlands outfit losing key players in the form of Ruben Neves and Raul Jimenez without strengthening.

Reports suggest that this frustration may lead to the former Real Madrid manager quitting ahead of Wolves’ season opener away at Manchester United.

O’Neil was dismissed by Cherries in June after Andoni Iraola became available after his contract at Rayo Vallecano expired.

Originally appointed as caretaker following the departure of Scott Parker, O’Neil was eventually named as permanent replacement in November, his first role as a head coach of a senior side.

Whilst a lean period had to be endured during the winter months, O’Neil led Cherries to six wins in their final 10 games to secure a second consecutive season of Premier League football.

Coincidentally, O’Neil’s first game in management came against Wolves, picking up a commendable 0-0 draw at Vitality Stadium days after Cherries had been thumped 9-0 in Parker’s final game in charge.