Warnock to walk out on United

Neil Warnock is reportedly close to walking out on Championship side Sheffield United to take over as our manager.

Warnock has guided the Blades to second in the Championship and is one of the most highly regarded managers outside the Premiership.

He was immediately linked with the Pompey job when Milan Mandaric decided to sack Alain Perrin in the week and now reports suggest Warnock will leave Bramall Lane to take over at Pompey.

He is already said to have met with United chiefs where he was reportedly offered a new, improved contract but the suggestions are that he is keen to try his hand in the top flight and sees Portsmouth as the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Pompey chairman Mandaric is a big admirer of the Blades boss and has already hinted talks have been held with Warnock.

He said: "Maybe I like one guy better than the rest, but I have got to look at the overall package. Perhaps we need someone to throw tea-cups and kick buckets around in the dressing-room.

"I expect an appointment inside the next two weeks, before our game at Tottenham, although it could be before that."

Former Newcastle managers Sir Bobby Robson and Ruud Gullit have also been linked with the vacant Pompey job but it appears that Warnock is the hot favourite.