The odds on Norwich City boss Alex Neil becoming the next manager of Scottish giants Rangers have drifted, after the Scot had surprisingly been made favourite for the job.

Alex McLeish continues to be strongly linked with a return to the club where he enjoyed much success between 2001 and 2006, including two league titles.

Portuguese coach Pedro Caixinha has become favourite for the job with most bookmakers now though, with Neil's odds lengthening to 3/1 with Sky Bet and 7/4 with William Hill.

The Canaries' chief's emergence as the favourite for the job with the bookies came as a surprise, given the Glasgow club's much-publicised financial struggles.

The 35-year-old has been in charge at Carrow Road for over two years now and saw the City board stand by him late last year as pressure mounted on him following an awful run of eight defeats in 10 games.

While results have improved since the turn of the year – with Neil's team winning five and drawing four of their last 11 league games – chances of achieving a Championship pay-off place remain slim.

Scottish newspaper the Daily Record report that a delegation of Rangers directors flew to London yesterday to begin the interview process, with McLeish, Caixinha, Neil and former Birmingham boss Gary Rowett on their shortlist.

The Record quote a 'close source' as saying: 'The interview process began in London today and there are some very interesting names on the list.

'Now that a number of candidates have been spoken to in person the board are moving much closer to making a final decision. They may be in a position to make an announcement in the next few days.'

However, sources close to the Canaries suggest Neil would not be interested in moving to Ibrox, with his attentions firmly fixed on trying to salvage promotion back to the Premier League. Last week the former Hamilton boss laughed off reports that City coach Alan Irvine was being linked with the vacancy.

Former Norwich U18s coach Graeme Murty remains in caretaker charge of the Gers, who hosted St Johnston in the Scottish Premiership this evening.