Former Preston North End manager Ryan Lowe is now the clear bookies' favourite to be the next Carlisle United boss.

Lowe, the ex-Bury and Plymouth Argyle manager, has seen his odds reduced to 6/4 by Betano.

That puts him out in front in the bookmakers' reckoning for the Brunton Park position.

He is ahead of a trio of potential candidates who have the second shortest odds of 8/1.

Former Manchester City Under-21 coach and ex-Rochdale boss Brian Barry-Murphy is among them, along with Gateshead manager Rob Elliot and former Wigan Athletic and Rotherham United boss Leam Richardson.

Brian Barry-Murphy has risen in the bettingBrian Barry-Murphy has risen in the betting (Image: PA)

Five managers are then at 12/1 - ex-Barrow boss Pete Wild, former Wycombe Wanderers and QPR man Gareth Ainsworth, Leyton Orient's Richie Wellens, Crewe Alexandra's Lee Bell and former Wales boss Rob Page.

READ MORE: A closer look at potential Carlisle United manager contenders

Danny Grainger and Peter Murphy, among the initial bookies' favourites, have slid to 33/1 with ex-United boss Keith Curle and former Blues defender Zigor Aranalde also joining the betting at that price.

Caretakers Steven Rudd, Mark Birch and Jamie Devitt are all 50/1.

United owner Tom Piatak has said the Blues are looking to recruit a head coach who will work with a new sporting director.

He said club bosses are sifting through a host of applications while they are also taking soundings from contacts on potential candidates.

Listen to the Blues owner talking about the situation HERE