Oxford United manager Chris Wilder is being strongly linked to the vacant job at Portsmouth.

The Oxford Mail understands the League Two club, who sacked Guy Whittingham earlier this month are interested in speaking to the U's boss.

There are rumours they have made a formal approach to speak to Wilder, although they have been rejected this evening by chairman Ian Lenagan.

He said: "Chris Wilder has shown his commitment to Oxford United over the last five years.

"I'm not concerned about Portsmouth, I'm not concerned at all."

The United manager signed a new one year deal with the club in April, so if Portsmouth did want to appoint him they would have to pay compensation.

Portsmouth chief executive Mark Catlin confirmed they had made approaches to clubs for managers in employment, but would not reveal their identities.

He said: "We believe that's the right way to do our business.

"It just wouldn't be fair on Chris or Oxford.

"It's not really something us at Portsmouth want to comment on, whatever we do will be by the correct channels."