Yugoslav Radomir Antic is poised to succeed Louis van Gaal as Barcelona coach, it was reported in Spain this morning.
The 53-year-old former Atletico and Real Madrid coach is believed to have reached an agreement with Barcelona president Joan Gaspart to take charge until the end of the season. Barcelona declined to comment.
The appointment of a new coach would still have to be approved by the club's board.
Antic, who steered Atletico to a league and cup double in 1996, has been out of work since leaving Real Oviedo in July 2001 after they were relegated from the top flight.
Barcelona sporting director Carles Rexach, who coached the club last season, and Argentina's 1978 World Cup winning boss Cesar Luis Menotti have also been reported to be in the running for the job.
Antic's appointment is expected to be made official following a meeting of the club's administrative council this afternoon, and he will have less than 24 hours to prepare for the team's Primera Liga game at Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona's recent slump in form leaves them 12th in the league, without a win in their last three games and facing a finish in the lower half of the table for the first time since 1942.
Conversely, Barcelona have won all 10 of their Champions League matches this term.