Blackpool could appoint Michael Appleton as their new manager with the former Preston North End midfielder viewed for their vacancy.
Blackpool were left stunned earlier this month as boss Neil Critchley took the shock decision to leave and become Aston Villa assistant boss.
Critchley wanted to reunite with former Liverpool colleague Steven Gerrard and has left Blackpool needing a replacement.
Derby County coach Liam Rosenior has been the favourite but there is another name in the frame – and one that will be familiar to Preston fans.
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Blackpool could appoint Michael Appleton
Lancs Live report that Blackpool are strongly considering former Preston midfielder Michael Appleton as their new manager.
It’s stated that Appleton held a third round of talks with Blackpool on Wednesday as he puts forward his case for the job.
Appleton, 46, enjoyed more than two-and-a-half years in charge of Lincoln, winning 38.5% of his games.
Intriguingly, this wouldn’t be Appleton’s first stint in charge of Blackpool.
Appleton became Blackpool manager almost 10 years ago back in November 2012, but won just two games in 12 before leaving for Blackburn Rovers.
That move didn’t work out well and Appleton had to rebuild his reputation with Oxford United and then Lincoln.
This would be a fascinating move for Appleton, especially given that he has admitted that his son supports Preston.
The Appleton household could be a divided one when Preston face Blackpool, with the coach having to put his old North End allegiances behind him.
Appleton joined North End in 1997, racking up more than 120 appearances for the club before moving on to West Bromwich Albion.
The midfielder was highly-regarded at Preston but saw his career ravaged by injuries before turning to coaching.
We could now see Appleton return to Deepdale next season, but as manager of our biggest rivals rather than as an interested spectator.