Gary O'Neil's future at Wolves is on a knife edge ahead of Saturday's must-win clash against Southampton... with former Man United manager among those interesting Molineux chiefs

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Gary O'Neil's tenure as Wolves manager is on a knife edge ahead of Saturday’s crucial clash with Southampton at Molineux. 

Defeat would leave O’Neil at significant risk, with Wolves yet to win this season, and with only one victory from their last 20 league fixtures. 

After handing O’Neil and his staff new four-year deals last summer, the Wolves hierarchy are desperate for him to turn it around and have wanted to give the 41-year-old as much time as possible to do so. 

Yet chairman Jeff Shi and his team are also painfully aware of the importance of staying in the Premier League, as well as the potential costs of relegation to the Championship. 

Were Wolves to replace O’Neil, it seems likely they would target a manager with significant Premier League experience to try to haul them clear of trouble. 

Gary O'Neil's job at Wolves is on a knife edge ahead of Saturday’s clash with Southampton

Wolves are rock bottom of the Premier League after nine games, having yet to pick up a win

Former Manchester United, Everton and West Ham boss David Moyes (above) is among those who would interest Wolves should chairman Jeff Shi decide to part ways with O'Neil

David Moyes is currently out of work having departed West Ham at the end of last season and would be among those who would interest Wolves. 

His replacement at the London Stadium, Julen Lopetegui, kept Wolves up under similar circumstances two seasons ago before leaving on the eve of the 2023-24 campaign due to a disagreement over transfer funds. 

Lopetegui himself may be dismissed this weekend if West Ham lose at home to Everton, with the Spaniard under significant pressure.