There has been a dramatic shift in the betting on the next Ipswich Town manager – with St Mirren boss Jack Ross now the 1/4 odds-on favourite with Skybet, while former bookies’ tip Paul Hurst has drifted to 6/1.

East Anglian Daily Times: Shrewsbury Town manager Paul Hurst, once the odds-on favourite for the Ipswich Town job, has drifted out to 6/1. Picture: PA SPORTShrewsbury Town manager Paul Hurst, once the odds-on favourite for the Ipswich Town job, has drifted out to 6/1. Picture: PA SPORT (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Town last week got permission to speak to Buddies’ boss Ross, 41, who guided St Mirren to the Scottish Championship title last season.

It is understood that preliminary talks were held, with Ross set for further discussions today. With the odds suddenly shifting – he’s as short as 1/10 with some bookies – speculation will be rife that Town are ready to appoint.

- MORE: Ross on Ipswich links

But owner Marcus Evans is known to be casting his net far and wide, with Shrewsbury manager Paul Hurst also on the list.

As recently as last week he was the odds-on favourite, but has now drifted out to a distant 6/1 second favourite.

With the Shrews in the League One play-off final next weekend, the Blues would have to wait till after that clash before starting any discussions with the in-demand boss.

- MORE: Town contact Grayson in manager search

Speaking on BT Sport on Friday night, Ross admitted he will ‘listen to what they (Ipswich) have to say’ and that he could be faced with a difficult decision should he be offered the chance to replace Mick McCarthy at Portman Road.

“At the moment for me, and I’ll always try and be fully frank and honest, my work and focus is very much on trying to build a squad and be progressive here,” he told Sky Sports.

“Until that changes then it will remain the case. In terms of ambition I want to be as good as I can be at the job I’m in. This job has been great for me as it’s offered me the chance to prove myself in the last 18 months and I want to try and get better at what I do. I’ve never had any preconceived ideas about my career, just as long I feel I am improving.

- MORE: How Hurst stacks up against the Evans five-point plan

“I think there has been communication between the clubs, but at the moment I don’t know anything more than that, which is ok.

“I think those that know me know that I have spent most of my time since the season finished at our training ground trying to push on with our plans for next season.

“I understand that it goes with the territory and you can’t complain about it because it’s a lot better than nobody being interested in you.”