Nigel Pearson and Roberto Di Matteo have also been in the frame but, although he has yet to receive an offer, Moyes is now believed to be the front-runner as he bids to make his comeback after his dismissal from Real Sociedad in November.

The 53-year-old met with Xia’s representatives at his home and the Chinese millionaire has revealed he is hopeful of making an appointment before the weekend.

Xia, the owner of Recon Group, is keen to bring in a manager with proven experience of the Championship and the prospect of Di Matteo being named appears to have faded after he met with Lazio over the weekend.

With Pearson believed to have been the choice of outgoing chairman Steve Hollis, it now leaves Moyes as the strong favourite to take over at the former European Cup winners.