Portsmouth face competition for ex-Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel - as length of Fratton deal becomes sticking point

The News understands the French Ligue 2 club are keen on offering the former Barnsley boss a way back into football.

Co-owned by Barnsley stakeholder Chien Lee, the eighth-placed club already have a manager in Jean-Louis Garcia, so have tabled a coaching role to Stendel.

Crucially, it represents a long-term deal, contrasting with Pompey’s stance.

As previously revealed by The News, the Blues yesterday held talks with Stendel, who would welcome a move back to the English game as manager.

However, the possibility of just 13 matches in charge on a short-team contract until the season’s end is not viewed favourably and remains a sticking point.

Regardless, negotiations are ongoing, and it is understood Stendel remains keen on joining Pompey, bringing with him his trusted number two Dale Tonge.

On Sunday evening, Tonge himself Tweeted his interest for a Blues role with ‘Outstanding club and fans, I’d walk there’.

The 35-year-old has previously served as Stendel’s assistant at Barnsley and Hearts.

Mark Catlin’s dilemma in filling Kenny Jackett’s job is whether to appoint somebody permanently now – or wait until the summer when other options in the managerial market may appeal.

Alternatively, he could bring in a caretaker for a 13-game assault on the League One play-offs.

Stendel, who has been out of work since leaving Hearts in June following their relegation to the Scottish Championship, has previously been linked to German second tier side VfL Osnabrück.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Things are changing at Fratton Park.

Today is your last chance to get 25% off a Sports subscription to The News as Portsmouth Football Club continues its search for a new manager.

Choose your perfect Sports subscription here and use the discount code ROADTOWEMBLEY25 to make sure you don’t miss a thing, with unlimited access to our website and 70% fewer adverts. Offer ends at midnight today (Monday, March 15).