Charlton boss Chris Powell linked with Wolves job

The Molineux hierachy has been alerted to the 43-year-old for his impressive and astute stewardship of the Addicks in just over two years in charge, and he could yet challenge established favourites for the job Kenny Jackett, Steve McClaren and Owen Coyle.

The picture should become clearer next week when Wolves are set to continue talks with the chosen candidates.

Jackett has already been spoken to and it's understood contact has been made with McClaren.

But Powell is another name who has appeared on the radar after steering Charlton to within three points of the Championship play-offs this season, just a year after leading them to the League One title.

Despite having one of the lowest budgets in the Championship, the former England, Charlton, Derby, Southend and West Ham left back fashioned a competitive team and finished ninth after a flourish at the end of the season.

And he won the third tier title despite a turnover of over 30 players in summer 2011 which saw 19 signings and almost as many departures, which has not gone unnoticed by people at Wolves, where a delicate rebuilding job will be required this summer.

And with Wolves seeking a steady pair of hands and someone to stabilise the club, Powell's smooth exterior and reputation as a diplomat and politician – developed as chairman of the PFA – could provide an intriguing alternative to the more experienced trio of Jackett, McClaren and Coyle.

Powell has impressed on the Championship grapevine by developing a team on a limited budget.

* Wolves player of the year Bakary Sako is a transfer target for arch-rivals Albion.

The £3m winger is certain to leave Molineux this summer after the club's relegation to League One.

And sources close to the 25-year-old say initial talks have already taken place with the Baggies and Fulham, who have both targeted a left-sided midfielder during this window.