If the appointment goes through, Ladbrokes owner Entain would be the first major UK-listed gambling group to appoint a female boss (although privately owned operator Bet365 is run by Denise Coates).

Nygaard-Andersen is already a non-executive director on Entain’s board, with people close to the firm saying that, while a deal to appoint her as CEO has not been concluded, it will likely be announced next week.

Danish executive Nygaard-Andersen also serves on the board of Coloplast A/S, with previous experience at Accenture and Maersk.

The need for a new CEO comes amid the unexpected resignation of Shay Segev, who earlier this week left Entain to become co-CEO of international sports streaming platform DAZN.

Segev, who took over from Kenny Alexander as Entain CEO in July 2020, now has a six-month notice period and will remain in his role for that period or until a successor is in place.

Entain, operator of betting brands Ladbrokes and Coral, is also currently dealing with heavy interest from US casino operator MGM Resorts International, whichearlier this month made a proposed offer for Entain worth $11bn.

The UK-based operator said the bid "significantly undervalues the company," although the existing joint venture between the two organisations, BetMGM, suggests a deal is likely.