David Moyes is now the clear favourite with Victor Chandler to be the next Manchester United manager.

The firm have the Everton boss in at 3/1 to take over the reins at Old Trafford when Sir Alex Ferguson finally calls it a day, and they admit it will probably cost them a few bob in the process.

"We have laid him and he's our biggest loser so far in the book," said VC spokesman Neal Wilkins. "But that said we are now of the opinion that he merits being the leading contender for the job.

"He ticks all the boxes. Not only is he one of Britain’s finest coaches, but Sir Alex admires him, he would be happy to put him forward for the job and there wouldn’t be a clash of egos if Fergie stayed around in some capacity."

Other contenders for the position include Martin O'Neill at 4/1 and Jose Mourinho at 5/1, although Wilkins is not confident the 'Special One' would get the nod. He added: "It's alright getting along with Sir Alex over a bottle of red, but we suspect Mourinho might struggle to get his approval if he had a say."