HIBERNIAN are reportedly taking a ‘serious interest’ in Karl Robinson as they look to fulfil their vacant manager role.

The Oxford United head coach has caught the eye of the Scottish Premiership club as they hunt for a successor to Shaun Maloney, according to the Daily Record.

It comes less than a week after Robinson was rated by bookmakers as one of the front-runners for the Queens Park Rangers manager’s job. The U’s boss has since dropped down the list, going from 4/1 joint favourite to 8/1.

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As with the Loftus Road link there is no indication the 41-year-old would move to Hibernian, with Robinson understood to remain excited by United’s potential on and off the pitch.

The Easter Road outfit recently sacked Maloney after just four months in charge, following the club’s failure to secure a top-six finish in the Premiership.

The Daily Record reports Hibs will begin interviews for the manager’s post this week, having already spoken to some targets in England.

Former U’s boss Michael Appleton has also been linked with the job after leaving Lincoln City at the end of the campaign.

Robinson guided United to eighth in League One this term after reaching the play-offs in the previous two seasons. His contract runs until 2024.