Wales set to name Toshack as manager

John Toshack is expected to be named as the replacement for Mark Hughes today as the Wales manager.

The Football Association of Wales interviewed three candidates in a hotel near London's Heathrow Airport yesterday after the former Liverpool manager, Gérard Houllier, withdrew from the race leaving Toshack, Philippe Troussier and Dean Saunders in the running. It is understood the new manager will receive a four-year contract worth £1m plus bonuses for reaching a major tournament.

Toshack, the former Real Madrid manager, has been widely tipped to be handed the task of restoring Wales' faltering World Cup qualifying campaign. It was also mooted that the FAW interviewing panel were impressed by Troussier's track record and were considering appointing him with Saunders, the Newcastle No 2, as his assistant. However, Troussier, who has managed Japan, South Africa and Nigeria, is also in talks with Ghana about managing their national team and members of the FAW's 11-strong panel have revealed their preference for a Welshman to do the job.

Their recommendation will be ratified by the FAW's full today and an announcement will be made at 3pm.