Redknapp hints at Wolves move

Wolverhampton Wanderers are considering an approach to Harry Redknapp to become their next manager. The West Midlands club have so far only made an informal sounding, via a third party, but were encouraged yesterday when Redknapp publicly described the vacancy as "a great job for somebody".

However, Wolves realise that it is highly unlikely that they will be able to secure the services of the former Portsmouth manager, who would not be keen to move to the West Midlands - he lives in Dorset - and may also prove too expensive.

More crucially Redknapp, who is believed to be taking a break in Spain with his wife Sandra, is still negotiating with Portsmouth as to the terms of his departure and genuinely wants to take a break from football. Portsmouth may also demand a period of "gardening leave" as part of any settlement.

Wolves, even though they have taken some time to secure Dave Jones' successor, will not want to wait that long. It is thought they may turn to the former Aston Villa manager John Gregory, who is planning to bring in the former Wolves player Steve Bull as part of his coaching team.

But Redknapp, who is the bookmakers' favourite, was clear in his admiration of the Championship club. He said: "Let's not kid ourselves, Wolves is a great club and they're a bit like when I first went to Pompey. Everyone told me that was a sleeping giant that I would never wake up, but Wolves have already been woken up. Dave Jones did a great job in getting Wolves into the Premiership, but unfortunately they went down. But they have great support, a terrific stadium and it's a great job for somebody."

The Wolves chief executive, Jez Moxey, refused to be drawn. "We've said before we will not be drawn on names and that's a policy we intend sticking to," he said. "Stuart Gray remains in charge of first-team affairs until further notice."