MICHAEL Appleton is the new favourite to take charge at Lincoln City, who host Oxford United this weekend.

The Imps have a vacancy following Danny and Nicky Cowley's move to Huddersfield Town earlier this month.

Michael Flynn, Gareth Ainsworth and Matt Taylor have all been strongly linked to the post, but appear to be out of the running.

Also read: Oxford United were lucky to get point, admits John Mousinho

Appleton, who is rumoured to have watching Lincoln's 1-1 draw at Rochdale in Sky Bet League One last night, is now the odds-on favourite to take charge at Sincil Bank.

And with local reports suggesting an appointment could take place before the weekend, it may mean the U's come up against their former boss.

Appleton has not held a permanent first-team manager's role since his successful three-year spell at United ended in 2017 when he left for Leicester City.

He has been linked to several No 1 roles since, but took charge of West Bromwich Albion's under 23 side in August.