JULEN LOPETEGUI has a four-man list of Spanish-based players he wants to sign when he gets a Premier League job.
The former Wolves chief is chasing a top-flight return and has been drawing up targets for a spree.
Lopetegui, 57, quit in August after finding out he would not be backed in the transfer market.
He will not take a new job until he knows there is cash for his wanted men.
The Spaniard has been earmarked to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, reports suggest.
According to Relevo, Red Devils chiefs were left impressed by the work he did at Wolves last season, while his experience winning the Europa League with Sevilla has also earned him European pedigree.
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This is said to have put him ahead of the likes of Graham Potter or Roberto de Zerbi in consideration.
Meanwhile, his command of the English language has also put him ahead of Zinedine Zidane.
The reports says that Lopetegui, 57, wants to continue his career in England after falling in love with the culture.
He confessed the desire in an interview with Sky Sports, in which he called English football culture “special” and also admitted he had already turned down jobs from overseas.
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He said: “It’s why I’ve said no to different countries and different situations because I would like to stay here in England. I feel like our team here is just starting and we want to achieve our dreams.
“The way the country lives football here is special – it’s the best league in the world, the most competitive league in the world, the best environment for the players, coaches and fans too.
“I have fought for titles, I have fought for different aims but of course for the most important thing to feel like you have a project you can put your stamp on it, where you can work and improve the performance of the whole club.
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“If you ask me, I’d like this kind of challenge and to be able to achieve each aim the club has.
“I have to be ready. When you accept a challenge, it’s not just about the players and the way you want to play…
“I think you have to understand where you are, what’s the culture of the club and the history too.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
