Rob Edwards has been stood down as Middlesbrough manager for today’s match against Birmingham City as he edges closer to taking over at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Edwards is interested in speaking to Wolves about becoming their new manager and did not take training or his pre-match press conference at Boro on Friday ahead of Saturday’s match.

And now Middlesbrough have taken the step of relieving him of his duties for today’s visit of Birmingham.

Boro rejected Wolves’ initial approach for Edwards, and Wolves would have to pay compensation to secure him. But it is now thought that several Boro players are expecting Edwards to move to Molineux, even though it is still unclear whether he would accept their offer.

Wolves initially made a move for their former boss Gary O’Neil, but O’Neil withdrew from the race amid huge hostility from supporters and doubts among players about his return.

Rob Edwards will not manage Middlesbrough against Birmingham City on Saturday

Edwards, 42, played for Wolves from 2004-08 and spent six years as a coach at Molineux, leaving in 2019 to take up a role with the FA.

More to follow.