OXFORD United have not received an official approach from Coventry City to talk to manager Chris Wilder.

Odds on the U's boss taking over at the Ricoh Arena have been slashed over the last 24 hours, fuelling speculation about Wilder succeeding Andy Thorn.

But this morning United owner and chairman Ian Lenagan told the Oxford Mail no contact had been made from the League One club.

He said: "I have not been approached by Coventry City and Chris Wilder has not been approached by anybody.

"So at the current moment there's no substance in the rumours, but obviously that can change from day-to-day."

Wilder, who last week admitted the rumours were a "compliment", wanted to make it clear this afternoon the attention would not prove a distraction ahead of Wednesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie against rivals Swindon Town.

"No, not at all - it's a local derby at our place and it will be a difficult one," he said.