Could It Be Coppell?

City are thought to be in the advanced stages of talking to former Reading and Palace manager Steve Coppell.

Coppell, 54, left Reading after their play-off semi final defeat to Burnley last season and has already held initial conversations with City chairman Steve Lansdown after applying for the job.

It is thought that the former England winger will return to BS3 for a more formal interview over the next 72-hours, where a one-year rolling contract to make him the highest paid manager in the Championship could be on the table.

With the rumour mill in overdrive at the moment, there are suggestions that any deal hinges on Coppell’s desire to bring in Director of Football Nicky Hammond.

The pair worked to great effect at the Madejski and Coppell is believed to be keen on a reunion with Hammond, who holds the same position with Reading.

Keith Millen, who has excelled in his role as caretaker and will remain in charge until the end of the season, is expected to resume his duties as Coppell’s assistant for next season should the appointment come off, with an announcement expected next week.

Coppell topped a recent poll of Vital Bristol City readers, romping home with 34% of the vote whilst the bookies have stopped taking bets on the man who took Reading to the Premiership and Palace to the Cup Final.