Paul Scholes is poised to land his first managerial role with Oldham Athletic.

The Telegraph understands that Scholes has held discussions with the League Two side and is expected to be appointed within 24 hours.

The former Manchester United and England midfielder will join the club whom he supported as a boy, with Oldham 12th in the fourth tier ­after Saturday's 2-1 defeat away to Sol Campbell’s Macclesfield Town.

Scholes, 42, will replace interim manager Pete Wild and is the first permanent appointment since Franke Bunn, who left the club after Christmas.

Salford-born Scholes actually grew up with Bunn, the former Oldham striker, as one of his heroes.