FORMER Manchester United and England star Paul Scholes is in talks to take over as Oldham Athletic manager.

Lifelong Latics fan Scholes watched Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Macclesfield Town – caretaker-manager Pete Wild's first loss since taking the reins from Frankie Bunn – and is believed to be the front-runner to get the job.

Scholes' only experience in management includes a short stint alongside Ryan Giggs, who saw out the 2013/14 season following David Moyes' sacking, and a brief spell as joint caretaker-manager alongside Phil Neville at Salford City, the National League club in which he co-owns. Since he retired from playing in 2013 he has been a regular pundit on BT Sports' Premier League coverage.

His involvement with the Ammies, who are genuine contenders for promotion to League Two, could prove a sticking point for Latics, who are currently mid-table in the fourth tier.

Scholes was interviewed for the job at Boundary Park in 2017 but lost out to Richie Wellens, who departed last June.

He was replaced by Bunn who, in turn, was sacked by the club following a 6-0 humbling at Carlisle United on Boxing Day. Academy manager Wild has since taken charge and oversaw three victories, including an FA Cup upset at Premier League Fulham, one draw and one defeat.

Oldham chairman Abdallah Lesagam is expected to return from a trip to Dubai today and a decision on a new permanent manager is expected in the coming days.