Gareth Ainsworth’s odds of becoming the next Blackburn Rovers manager have shortened dramatically with some bookmakers making him the front runner for the vacant post.

BetVictor has the current Wycombe Wanderers boss as 2/1 favourite to take over at Ewood Park after Paul Lambert activated a clause in his contract to allow him to leave the club.

Wycombe have made no comment on the speculation linking Ainsworth with a move away from Adams Park where he has been in charge since 2012.

Any potential move would see Ainsworth return to the club he was released from at the age of 18 and has supported his whole life.

He has made no secret of his admiration for Blackburn and has previously gone on record saying the Rovers hot seat would be a dream position for him.

“I never played for the club, but maybe I could manage them one day. It would be a dream job,” Ainsworth told the Lancashire Telegraph in 2012.

“I was devastated when I was released from Blackburn.

“All through my career I hoped I’d get a chance to play for Blackburn.

“The only time I’ve played at Ewood was for QPR in the FA Cup (in 2006). After the game I swapped shirts with Craig Bellamy and held it up to the Blackburn End to say I’d love to have worn that shirt.”