The former Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Celtic defender has worked under Brendan Rodgers at both Celtic and Leicester City, where he is currently a first-team coach. Wigan have been searching for a new manager since sacking Leam Richardson ahead of their final fixture before the World Cup break.

Rob Kelly took temporary charge as Athletic beat Blackpool but the club remain in the bottom three, four points ahead of Huddersfield Town in 24th and just one point behind Hull City in 20th. They are also just three points adrift of Rotherham United in 16th.

Yaya Toure, the brother of Kolo, ruled himself out of contention for the position after speaking with Wigan. He currently works in the academy at Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Kolo Toure, First Team Coach of Leicester City looks on during the warm up prior to the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Leicester City at Villa Park on December 08, 2019 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Eight Championship managers have been sacked this season – including Danny Schofield at Huddersfield, Shota Arveladze at Hull City and Chris Wilder at Middlesbrough. Rotherham have also had a managerial change after Paul Warne left his position to join Derby County.

Next Wigan Athletic manager (odds correct as of 9.30am, November 22)

Kolo Toure – 1/5

Shaun Maloney – 7/1

Neil Critchley – 8/1

Aitor Karanka – 22/1

Duncan Ferguson – 22/1

Steven Gerrard – 22/1

Steve Cotterill – 25/1

Sean Dyche – 33/1

Steve Bruce – 33/1

Next Wigan Athletic manager: Ex-Liverpool, Arsenal and Celtic player heavy favourite for position at Championship rivals of Huddersfield Town, Hull City and Rotherham United