Sheffield United have given Portsmouth permission to talk to manager Neil Warnock about the vacant managerial seat at Fratton Park.
Warnock has been favourite to succeed Alain Perrin since the Frenchman was sacked by chairman Milan Mandaric last week following Pompey's poor start to the season.
It now appears it is only a matter of the two clubs agreeing compensation before Warnock, who will appoint Chester boss Keith Curle as his assistant, becomes a Premiership manager for the first time.
A statement from the Yorkshire club read: "After a long discussion and careful consideration Sheffield United have reluctantly agreed, conditional on suitable compensation, to make Neil Warnock available to speak to Portsmouth.
"The continued success of the club has been paramount to the thinking and in these difficult times it is imperative for supporters to get behind the club."
