Former Wales international and Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy is close to being appointed as the new manager of League One side Oxford United.
Bellamy, who was a candidate for the Wales job, only to lose out to Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs, is currently the Cardiff City U18’s manager.
He could be in the dugout as early as Saturday according to the report, with Oxford set to face fellow League One strugglers Fleetwood Town, who are also without a manager.
The young Bluebirds side have currently won four out of their last five games under Bellamy, as the Welshman aims to push through more local talent to the senior team. Cardiff City are currently fifth in the Professional U18 Development League.
As well as working as Cardiff City’s academy manager, Bellamy appears on Sky Football’s The Debate.
Speaking on the show Craig Bellamy spoke about the process of applying for the Wales job and how it has helped prepare him for senior level management.
“First of all I was disappointed of course but I learned so much from it, the disappointment of not getting it was a great experience.” said the 2012 League Cup winner.
“This wasn’t just a seven-week process for me, it was seven years and I knew the importance of it, to take forward the good work Gary Speed and Chris Coleman have done. I’d like to thank the FAW, it was a great experience.
Oxford are currently 15th in League One and have been on the lookout for a manager, since the departure of former Swansea City assistant manager Pep Clotet.