Former Oxford United coach Des Buckingham is a "top contender" for the Oxford United managerial job, according to reports.

As reported by Football Insider, Buckingham is being considered to take over from Karl Robinson who was sacked on Sunday (26 February).

Michael Appleton, who managed United from 2014 to 2017, is currently the bookmaker's favourite to take charge at the Kassam Stadium but it appears Buckingham is also in contention if reports are to go by.

READ MORE: Karl Robinson sacked as Oxford United boss

Buckingham, from Cowley, recently lifted his first piece of silverware with Mumbai City and is now preparing his side for the ISL play-offs, with the first semi-final leg taking place on March 7.

The 38-year-old was appointed head coach of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) team in October 2021.

Buckingham started coaching at United aged 18, overseeing the rise of Sam Long and Callum O’Dowda, before joining Chris Wilder’s first team staff in 2013/14.

His globetrotting journey has then seen him take in stints at Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne City – the latter part of City Football Group, which operates clubs including Manchester City, New York City and La Liga side Girona.

It is believed he is now in the running to return to United alongside Appleton.

Yesterday, Alan Nixon, football writer for the Sun, reported he’s heard United are interested in Appleton whilst George Elek said he was led to believe Appleton was "very interested in the job" on BBC Radio Oxford.

Robinson was sacked following a 3-0 defeat to Bristol Rovers on Saturday (February 25), only picking up one point from the past eight games.

United currently sit 17th in Sky Bet League One, five points off the relegation zone.