Queens Park Rangers are reportedly set to make an approach for MK Dons manager Liam Manning following the recent departure of Mark Warburton, according to the Evening Standard.
The Lowdown: Warburton leaves QPR
It was confirmed by the club at the end of April that the 59-year-old would be leaving Rangers following the conclusion of the 2021/22 Championship season upon the expiration of his contract at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
Warburton was first appointed as Hoops boss back in 2019 and in that time, went on to take charge of 150 games during his reign in west London.
Now managerless, QPR are on the hunt to find their new man, and following a fresh update, it appears as though they might have discovered their ideal candidate.
The Latest: Hoops approach expected
In a new report published by the Evening Standard, it’s claimed that Rangers are ‘particularly keen’ on MK Dons boss Manning, who has emerged as a ‘strong contender’ for the job.
The source further states that whilst the League One outfit haven’t yet received an official approach from QPR, they are ‘prepared’ for one to arrive in the immediate future.
This follows reports from talkSPORT's Alex Crook that the 'brilliant' Manning is drawing 'definite interest'.
The Verdict: Manning is impressive
The 36-year-old has enjoyed a hugely successful season with the Dons, having guided them to a third-place finish, but ended up just missing out on promotion having been beaten 2-1 on aggregate by Wycombe Wanderers in the play-off semi-final.
Manning was once hailed as having a “terrific” playing style of football by Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore, and so it’s no surprise to see the young coach attracting interest from QPR.
The Hoops have clearly studied their target’s work and been impressed by what they’ve seen, and if the club are looking to appoint someone with a track record of challenging for promotion at the top end of the table, Manning might just be the man that we’ll be seeing standing in the dugout at the start of next season.