THE odds are shortening drastically on former Wales defender Kevin Ratcliffe replacing Brian Flynn as manager of Second Division Wrexham.

Leading Welsh bookmaker Jack Brown last night slashed the betting price on Ratcliffe, already favourite for the post vacated this week, from 3-1 to 4-6 after a rush of wagers across its network of shops.

Ratcliffe admitted he would be flattered by any approach from Wrexham after watching his Shrewsbury Town Division Three high flyers draw at Swansea City on Tuesday night.

"The specualtion is flattering," said Ratcliffe who captained Everton to league and FA Cup honours during an illustrious playing career.

"It flatters you if you are put up for any job, whether you are a player or a manager."

Ratcliffe is currently halfway through a three-year contract at Gay Meadow, where he saved Shrewsbury from relegation on the final day of the 1999-2000 season, but is believed to possess a get-out clause if an attractive offer comes his way.

The 59-times capped centre-half is one of a string of Wales internationals being linked with the job.

Record-breaking striker Dean Saunders has urged the Racecourse Ground Dragons to "give him a ring" as he looks to break into management.

Saunders, who is presently training at Blackburn Rovers and has been offered a month-to-month coaching deal at Ewood Park, said he was keeping an open mind on his options.

He said, "All I would say to Wrexham is, 'Give me a ring.'

"I would be interested, especially with it being a Welsh club."

Although funds are known to be tight at Wrexham, the foundations laid by Flynn over 12 years of managing the club are appealing to the host of applicants throwing their hats into the ring.

Wales's most-capped player, the legendary goalkeeper Neville Southall, is also understood to have sent his CV to Dragons managing director David Rhodes, along with ex-Wrexham midfielder Barry Horne.

Rhodes revealed the club had already received 12-14 applications in the 48 hours since Flynn and assistant manager Kevin Reeves offically parted company with Wrexham on Monday.

A caretaker team headed by long-serving coach Joey Jones is currently handling team affairs and presided over another home defeat - 3-1 at the hands of Port Vale - on Tuesday which keeps Wrexham locked in the relegation zone.

Flynn intends to stay in football and has already been mooted as a possible manager of Wales's beleaguered under-21 side which has gone 23 matches without victory.