Pep Clotet frontrunner to become next Oxford manager following Michael Appleton’s departure

PEP CLOTET has emerged as the front runner for the Oxford job.

The Spaniard, 40, spoke to the U’s last week about succeeding Michael Appleton, who left to be Craig Shakespeare’s No2 at Leicester last week.

PA:Press Association

Ex-QPR chief Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink also held talks last week about the vacant position.

But SunSport understands it is Clotet who is now favourite to be appointed – and it could happen as early as next week.

The former Espanyol B chief assisted Garry Monk at Swansea and Leeds – but decided against following his good pal to Middlesbrough this summer after leaving Elland Road to make pursue ambitions of being a manager in his own right.

And Oxford, who were left reeling after Appleton’s shock exit, could be the club that hands the former amateur player his first No1 role in England.

PA:Press Association Wire

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