Liam Manning looks closer to being named manager of Milton Keynes Dons after it was announced he had left his club in Belgium.
In a statement on their official website and social media accounts, Belgian First Division B side Lommel SK confirmed that the 35-year-old Englishman had departed the club to seek opportunities elsewhere - with all recent reports indicating a move to Milton Keynes.
While no announcement has been made by the Dons themselves, it has been largely reported that they are the club Manning intends on joining after the recent departure of Russell Martin to Swansea City and a deal could be close to being completed.
Formerly an academy player for Norwich City and Ipswich Town before turning professional with the latter, for one season, Manning has wide ranging experience in coaching - having had spells with Ipswich, West Ham and New York City's academies prior to taking charge of Lommel last summer.
A third-place finish came for the club, who went through a change in tactical approach with Manning preferring an attacking style to what had previously been deployed at the Soevereinstadion previously.
A deal is not done yet, but all signs point to the Milton Keynes club naming Martin's successor within the next few days - allowing club captain Dean Lewington to return to his duties as a player once again after helping guide the club through a difficult period.
