MICHAEL Appleton is believed to be on the verge of his first permanent managerial role since leaving Oxford United.

Reports north of the border suggest the 43-year-old will be announced as the new Hibernian boss this week, succeeding Neil Lennon.

He is as short as 1/20 with bookmakers for the job at Easter Road.

Appleton has been waiting for an opportunity to get back into football since leaving his post as Leicester City assistant manager at the end of last season.

The 12 months at the King Power Stadium included a spell as caretaker boss, where he won both of his matches in charge.

Appleton joined Leicester in 2017 after a successful three-year stay with United.

It included promotion from League Two in 2016, before guiding them to eighth in League One the following season - the club's highest finish for two decades.