RYAN Giggs has emerged late in the day as the front-runner to take over as Bolton Wanderers manager.

This month it is expected Giggs will end his association with Manchester United after nearly three decades as a player, caretaker and assistant manager, and odds on his appointment at the Macron have shifted dramatically to 1/4 on.

Giggs had been assistant to Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford since retiring from playing but the appointment of Jose Mourinho and his long-time right-hand man Rui Faria seems set to spell the Welshman's long stay with the Reds.

Giggs took over on a short-term basis at United for four games after David Moyes' sacking two years ago and has made no secret of his desire to be a manager.