CHRIS WILDER is now heavily odds-on to become Bournemouth’s next manager – amid a flurry of speculation linking him with the Premier League club’s vacant managerial position.

However, at this stage, there has been no formal approach from the Cherries to Middlesbrough officials requesting permission to speak to their boss.

Wilder was widely available at around 8-1 in the market for the next Bournemouth boss yesterday afternoon, but bookmakers began slashing their prices yesterday evening and he is now being priced at no bigger than 1-3 to take over at the Vitality Stadium.

Gary O’Neil has been performing caretaker managerial duties since Scott Parker was dismissed, and was in charge of the Cherries for the last game before the international break, a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

O’Neil hopes to be appointed on a permanent basis, but Bournemouth’s board have always intended to assess some external candidates and Wilder has been linked with the position ever since Parker was relieved of his role earlier this month.

The Boro boss’ own position has been coming under increased scrutiny in the last few weeks, with the Teessiders currently in the Championship relegation zone after a poor start to the season.

Last season, Wilder was heavily linked with a possible move to Burnley, and refused to rule out a potential switch to Turf Moor on two separate occasions when he was asked about the speculation in interviews. However, Burnley eventually opted to appoint Vincent Kompany as Sean Dyche’s successor.

Wilder is due to take charge of training as usual this week, with Boro preparing for Saturday’s return to Championship action at Coventry City.