Steven Gerrard is set to turn down an offer from MK Dons to become manager of the League One club.
Gerrard, who is back on Merseyside after leaving LA Galaxy, has been considering the opportunity to succeed Karl Robinson as manager but is understood to be ready to reject the approach.
The former Liverpool captain will instead continue to consider his options and is prepared to wait for the right opportunity to present itself as he looks to embark on the next stage of his career.
With MK Dons one place above the relegation zone after 18 games played it was always likely to be difficult for them to persuade Gerrard that now is the right time to take charge and it now appears that they are fighting a losing battle on that front.
Richie Barker, the MK Dons caretaker manager, is set to take charge of the team tomorrow night when they face Chesterfield at the Proact Stadium.
“At the moment I expect to be in charge for the next game. I haven’t been told any different,” Barker said at the weekend.
“The situation needs to be sorted out, but I have said from day one that it’s not about how much time it takes. Most people know we are getting close. The important thing is to get the right man, whoever that might be.
“In terms of what I have been asked to do, it’s just a case of continuing and I’m fine with that.”
