Dowie to quit Coventry?

Rumours are rife in the Midlands that former Addicks manager Iain Dowie is to leave Coventry City to replace Martin Allen at Sky Blues rivals Leicester City. Dowie made the short journey north from Norwood to join the Addicks and may not be averse to a move north-east to join the Foxes.

But a Coventry statement said: 'Further to unwelcome speculation regarding the first-team manager, Coventry City would like to confirm it has received no approach with regard to Iain Dowie. The club would also like to confirm that any approach would be firmly rebuffed.'

The fact that there has been no approach does not mean that one will not be made. And Leicester owner Milan Mandaric would probably be prepared to draw on his not inconsiderable funds to buy out the remainder of Dowie's three year contract.

Coventry are currently top of the Championship, but have had some relatively easy opponents in their early matches.