Karl Robinson seeks clarity from Oxford United board on Blackpool's official approach

The Seasiders have identified the 39-year-old as a target to replace former boss Simon Grayson, who was sacked earlier this month.

Reports surfaced last night that Blackpool had made an official approach to Oxford to speak to their manager and Robinson has since become the bookies' favourite.

It's understood that approach has been rejected by the Kassam Stadium outfit.

But Robinson, speaking after his side's 3-0 win over Accrington Stanley last night, claimed he wasn't even made aware of Blackpool's interest.

“I think I should have been called if we’ve had a phone call, 100 per cent," he said.

“In some ways you’ve got to respect the fact that we had a game tonight, maybe that’s the case.

“We have a good relationship and work hard together and are a close unit.

“I just think I’ll get more clarity in the morning.

“We’ll deal with it immediately. I won’t let this run, it’s not right to let it run.”

Both Blackpool and Oxford have declined to comment on the reports.

Robinson, who briefly played for the Seasiders as a youngster, currently has his Oxford side sitting in eighth place in League One, just one point off the play-offs.

He has previously managed MK Dons and Charlton Athletic.

Speculation surfaced over the weekend that the Liverpool-born manager, who's based in Milton Keynes, is keen to relocate to the North West.

Robinson, who has turned Oxford's fortunes around in the last year, also admitted to being frustrated over the backing he's received from the club's board.

The U's sold Shandon Baptiste and Tariqe Fosu to Brentford during the January transfer window while efforts to sign players fell through.

“This team, if they stick together and we spend money on it, can achieve great things," Robinson added.

“But it has to have that second aspect of it to become successful.

“Because if we don’t, we’ll just become like the rest – and that’s me being brutally honest.

“I’m hearing this club is here to be successful and they are the conversations I have on a consistent basis."

Meanwhile Simon Rusk, head of Brighton and Hove Albion's Under-23 side, has also emerged as a contender.