LIAM Manning took Oxford United training as per usual this morning, assistant boss Chris Hogg has confirmed.

Speculation is growing stronger that Manning is set to take the vacant manager’s post at Sky Bet Championship side Bristol City.

The Ashton Gate outfit’s pursuit of Manning is believed to have intensified today, with the Robins keen to announce a replacement for Nigel Pearson before their trip to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

Despite the rumours, Manning led United’s training earlier today.

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Hogg, who had already been scheduled to speak to the media before the U’s welcome Chelsea Under-21s in the EFL Trophy tomorrow night, said: “The manager was this morning preparing for the team to play a game tomorrow. As far as I’m concerned, that’s the situation.

“We came in this morning and got our head down and worked, and tried to get on with things.

“We were out there on the grass this morning trying to do our jobs and be professional, and prepare the team as best as we can. It’s been business as usual this morning.”

Manning took over as United boss in March, guiding the club to safety in League One last season.

This campaign has seen the U’s flourish under Manning, as they sit second in the third tier and three points behind leaders Portsmouth.