Former Hull City manager target Pedro Martins is in advanced talks to take over at Qatari outfit Al-Gharafa after being overlooked by Premier League strugglers Wolves, according to A Bola.
Earlier in October, following the departure of Bruno Lage, the Express and Star claimed that 52-year-old Martins was intrigued by the prospect of joining former Olympiakos talisman Daniel Podence at Molineux.
Wolves, however, didn’t seem to share Martins’ enthusiasm. Because, while the one-time Portugal international was on their shortlist, he was hardly near the top.
Wolves prioritised the likes of Julen Lopetegui, Ruben Amorim, Mick Beale, Peter Bosz and former boss Nuno Espirito Santo instead, before opting to retain the services of caretaker Steve Davis until after the World Cup.
And Martins, A Bola reports, will end his time out of the game by putting pen to paper with Al-Gharafa. Negotiations are at an advanced stage, though both parties are yet to reach an agreement over the length of Martins’ contract and the size of his salary.
Al-Gharafa are currently fourth in the Qatari All-Stars league; former Porto playmaker Yacine Brahimi the most high-profile member of their squad.
Wolves and Hull City both considered Pedro Martins
Martins also held talks with ambitious Championship outfit Hull City recently.
“It was an honour to have received the invitation to coach a great club; well managed and with a Premier League structure,” Martins writes on his official Instagram account.
“I am very grateful (for the interest). (Hull owner) Mr Acun Ilicali did everything to hire me as head coach. But unfortunately, at this point, the conditions for an agreement were not met.
“Hull City are a great English club. They are in good hands to reach the Premier League sooner than one might expect.”
According to the Hull Daily Mail, the Tigers are now closing in on the appointment of Liam Rosenior instead. The former Derby County boss is available after leaving Pride Park a couple of months ago. Hull, currently under the control of Andy Dawson, have won both of their last two Championship outings.
They are 16th in the table, but just six points off the play-offs.
Wolves, meanwhile, are in the Premier League’s relegation zone as things stand. Davis’ side lost 4-0 at home to Leicester City last time out, despite dominating for large spells at Molineux. Wolves travel to Brentford this weekend.
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