Former Wolves manager Lopetegui 'lined up to replace Nuno' at Al Ittihad

Al-Ittihad are reportedly lining up Julen Lopetegui, after sacking Nuno Espirito Santo on Tuesday.

The Saudi Pro League side have won only six of 12 league games so far this term, and made the decision to sack him after their 2-0 defeat to Air Force Club of Iraq in the Asian Champions League on Monday.

Despite signing the likes of Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Fabinho, they sit sixth in the standings - 11 points off leaders A-Hilal.

Santo took over at Al-Ittihad in July 2022 after being sacked by Tottenham eight months earlier.

The 49-year-old, previously managed Wolves, where Lopetegui left just three days before the start of the current season.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague - who has a close relationship with Lopetegui - said that despite Al-Ittihad's interest, the manager is keen to wait for an opportunity in the Premier League to arise.

He tweeted: 'His plan is clear. He will remain in England and wait for an opportunity in the Premier League.

'Every team that has contacted him in the past (Lyon, Villarreal, etc) was heard but I think his idea is clear (let's see if a huge massive enormous offer changes his mind, but I doubt it).'

There are currently no Premier League vacancies for Lopetegui to apply for, with remarkably no sackings so far this campaign.

Lopetegui, after guiding Wolves to a 13th place finish last season, left the club after voicing his frustrations over their lack of summer spending.

Spanish publication SPORT linked the Spaniard as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

Though the Dutchman doesn't appear to be in any trouble yet, despite the Red Devils' disappointing start to the season.

Al-Ittihad said in a statement that assistant coach Hassan Khalifa will take charge