Sources: Leeds coach Mark Jackson in advanced talks with MK Dons

Leeds United first-team coach Mark Jackson is in advanced talks over the MK Dons manager job, sources have told Football Insider.

The 45-year-old has been targeted by the League One club as they step up their search for a replacement for Liam Manning.

It is believed that Jackson has been offered the job by MK Dons and is close to reaching an agreement.

Wolves

Negotiations are progressing well, one source said, and a deal could be done soon.

Manning parted company with MK Dons earlier this month (11 December) after 16 months and 83 matches in charge.

He left the Buckinghamshire side 23rd in the League One table and some six points adrift of safety – a contrast to last season’s third-place finish.

Club captain Dean Lewington stepped up to become caretaker coach and managed a 2-0 victory against Portsmouth in his first game (17 December).

However, MK Dons are closing in on a replacement for Manning and will hope to have a new manager in place for their next game – the Boxing Day clash with Forest Green Rovers.

Jackson was promoted into the first team coaching set-up at Leeds United in March after success with the Under-23 side.

He joined the club as coach of the Under 15/16 side in 2015 and climbed the youth ranks.

Leeds United

The former defender made 19 appearances for the Whites between 1995 and 2000 before enjoying a successful career in the Football League with clubs like Scunthorpe and Rochdale.

He has been credited as aiding the development of a number of top starlets at Elland Road – including Joe Gelhardt, Crysencio Summerville, and Sam Greenwood.

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