Paul Ince in Preston North End frame

Paul Ince has emerged as one of the early frontrunners to replace Phil Brown as manager of Preston North End, according to Sky Sports News.

Brown was sacked by the League One club earlier today following a run of results that has seen North End win once in 11 matches.

Former Manchester United and England midfielder Ince has been out work since leaving Notts County in April and is believed to be keen on a move to Deepdale.

Billy Davies is favourite with the bookmakers to manage the club for a second time, while Dave Jones, Mark Robins and Sean O'Driscoll have also been linked with the vacancy.