Roy Keane is reportedly set to succeed Jim Magilton as Ispwich Town manager. The former Sunderland boss, who left Wearside in December, is believed to have been contacted by the Portman Road club, prompting some to suggest he could begin his second stint in management within 24 hours.

After two years at Sunderland, Keane left the Black Cats suddenly and of his own volition late last year, but has always insisted he intends to return to management.

Ipswich sacked Magilton following the club's failure to make the play-offs in the Championship this season.

New chief executive Simon Clegg told Sky Sports News that Town were close to appointing a successor.

During his time at the Black Cats helm, Keane led Sunderland from the bottom of the Championship to promotion to the Premier League in his first season.

The Irishman secured a 15th place finish in the top flight last term, but had presided over a disappointing run of form before his exit.

Glenn Hoddle was the firm-favourite to take over from Magilton this morning, but Keane's odds shortened dramatically with bookmakers this afternoon.