Former Saints target Alain Perrin is set to be unveiled as Portsmouth's new manager today with David Pleat also set to join the club as a consultant.

The Frenchman was interviewed for the Saints job after Gordon Strachan left last February.

Ironically, Perrin will now replace St Mary's boss Harry Redknapp as the next full-time Portsmouth chief.

Perrin, 48, will sign a deal that takes him to the end of the season and then another two years.

Pleat will be there to assist his transition until the end of the season.

Velimir Zajec, who has overseen a nosedive in Pompey's Premiership form in 2005 after his arrival last autumn heralded Redknapp's exit, will revert to his original role of executive director.

Fratton Park chairman Milan Mandaric, who is hoping to complete negotiations and make a formal announcement today, said: "He's a top-notch coach, very enthusiastic and I was left very impressed by his knowledge.

"He'll fit in well at Portsmouth - if we bring him in.

"He's very disciplined and professional and was targetted by Marseille - probably the biggest club in France.

"You don't want to take chances and that's the reason we're bringing someone in on a long-term deal, he is a tremendous coach.

"In the short term we're bringing in someone (Pleat) who knows English football inside out.

"If we do finalise things David Pleat would be a consultant until the end of the season, looking at our opponents, whilst Alain concentrates on the team.

"Joe Jordan will stay as coach and Velimir Zajec, who I can't speak too highly of, will revert to the executive director role which he first came here for."

Portsmouth were ninth after Redknapp's side beat Manchester United 2-0 at Fratton Park on October 30 and back in the same slot after Zajec's side defeated West Brom on December 4.

Now they are 16th, just four points off the bottom three after Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Fulham.

They host Charlton on Saturday.