Former Oxford United striker Dean Saunders is being tipped as a possible successor to John Gregory at Derby County.

Dean SaundersManager Gregory is expected to leave the club later today when they announce their verdict on an inquiry launched in the wake of "serious allegations" made against him.

The Rams boss was relieved of his duties on March 21, with the Pride Park club appointing interim manager George Burley on March 31.

Club officials have been discussing the results of an inquiry started following Gregory's suspension.

A statement on County's official website, www.dcfc.co.uk, read: "Derby County is conscious of fans' frustrations and aware of possible media speculation surrounding the future of John Gregory.

"We anticipate being in a position to make a short statement on Friday.

"We hope that supporters appreciate whatever is contained in the statement and whatever they may read in the papers, the club remain bound by legal constraints."

Burley is highly regarded for the job he did at Ipswich before being sacked at the start of the season. He has since steered Derby away from relegation trouble in the first division.

Former Wales international striker Saunders, who played for Oxford in 1986-7, their third season in the top flight, before being controversially sold to Derby by Robert Maxwell, would be a surprise choice as he has no management experience.

He has been coaching the strikers at Blackburn this season under Graeme Souness.