Curbishley has been already sounded out by the Wolves hierarchy and is the kind of candidate with credentials which have created a favourable impressive with club owner Steve Morgan but Neil Warnock and Steve Bruce are also in contention and the interview process is expected to continue until the early part of next week.
Morgan is unconcerned that former Charlton and West Ham boss Curbishley has been out of management for the past three-and-a-half years.
The 54-year-old is only 12 months older than McCarthy and believes Wolves would present the kind of challenge he would relish after winning his constructive dismissal case against West Ham in 2009.
He has already indicated his willingness to speak to Morgan who has returned from his ski holiday.
Wolves are also planning to speak to Warnock who is being linked with the vacant post at Huddersfield after Lee Clark's departure after agreeing his settlement with QPR.
Former Birmingham and Sunderland manager Bruce is also eyed as a potential candidate after McCarthy was sacked after five and a half years at Molineux.
But Curbishley is currently in the driving seat and is not tainted like Warnock and Bruce, with both having been recently sacked while QPR and Sunderland respectively were also in relegation trouble.
Morgan and Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey have already indicated Premier League experience will be a crucial factor when they make the appointment but bringing someone in on an interim basis for the final 13 games has not been discounted.
It is hoped any appointment will be at the helm for Wolves' next match, away to Newcastle, on February 25.
Source: PA
Source: PA