Portsmouth may bring in new manager today

Portsmouth hope to announce the appointment of their new manager later today as they try to stave off the slide towards relegation.

Portsmouth hope to announce the appointment of their new manager later today as they try to stave off the slide towards relegation.

However, the decision could be delayed until after the weekend with club sources last night insisting it is not yet "cut and dried". With just five points from a possible 36 under Velimir Zajec, the chairman, Milan Mandaric, has nevertheless brought forward his decision to appoint a new manager.

He is keen to bring in Gordon Strachan, but the Scot is still thought to remain reluctant to take over at Fratton Park and is hoping for a more attractive option.

Mandaric hinted that he had interviewed three men and said the hunt was not limited to British managers, although he would like someone with Premiership experience. The Tranmere manager, Brian Little, is also thought to be a contender.

Mandaric said: "It wouldn't be fair for me to go into details on any of the candidates for their and their clubs' sakes." Zajec, who took over after Harry Redknapp resigned last autumn, will resume his role as the club's executive director when the appointment is made.