But the Israeli is poised to retain his title of director of football.

The Blues are confident Grant's work permit will be granted imminently, more than six weeks after being appointed.

He will then take the lead role in a new-look managerial set-up.

And that will open the door for the appointment of a continental-style head coach to work under him.

Previously, Grant was seen as an equal to manager Paul Hart, the duo employed to work alongside each other.

But now, following Hart's dismissal, he will effectively be in complete control, overseeing player recruitment and team affairs.

It means the hunt is on to decide the ideal candidate to serve in the much-changed set-up, with Pompey hoping to finalise matters within the next few days.

Darren Ferguson, Roberto Mancini, Slaven Bilic and Steve Coppell are those who continue to be linked with Fratton Park and all would fit the bill.

Ferguson, in particular, has been strongly tipped, having been surprisingly dismissed by the Championship club two weeks ago.

When contacted by The News yesterday, Ferguson declined to comment on the Pompey link.

It's a refusal which can only add fuel to rumours of his impending arrival. However, such an appointment is believed to be extremely unlikely.

Meanwhile, the agent of Mancini, Giorgio De Giorgis, has insisted there is no substance to reports of his client's involvement with Pompey.

The former Inter Milan manager had previously attracted the Blues' attention during Sulaiman Al Fahim's sole ownership.

De Giorgis said: 'Roberto has been linked with 16 clubs all over Europe, but so far there have not been any talks with them.

'I do not like to speak about him at this point, I do not feel it is right. But I can say there is no truth in any of the talk about Portsmouth.'

Another who has been linked is Slaven Bilic, who recently turned down an approach by Scotland.

His agent, Rudi Vata, yesterday told The News the Croatia boss would be open to offers at present. The ex-West Ham defender is known to be keen to manage in the Premier League at some point.

Another reported target, Alan Curbishley, is presently holidaying in America.

However, he has indicated in the past he would not be willing to work under a director of football, effectively ruling him out of a Pompey position.