Former Crystal Palace and Genoa boss Patrick Vieira has reportedly agreed a deal to take over as head coach of Senegal.
Senegal have been searching for a new manager since Pape Thiaw was sacked after the Teranga Lions were eliminated at the Round of 32 stage in this summer's World Cup.
Meanwhile Vieira has been away from the dugout since November after leaving Serie A side Genoa by mutual consent after 12 months in charge.
According to a statement from the Senegalese Football Federation Vieira has agreed to take the reins, and an official announcement of his appointment is expected imminently.
A statement from the federation read: "Following its deliberations, the Emergency Committee unanimously ratified the appointment of Mr. Patrick Vieira as Head Coach of Senegal’s senior national team."
"This strategic decision marks a new milestone in the FSF’s commitment to establishing a high-level technical coaching staff that fully aligns with our country's sporting ambitions.
"Discussions regarding the administrative and contractual terms of his appointment are ongoing between the parties. The date for the new national team coach's official presentation, as well as the next steps regarding his onboarding, will be announced at a later date."
The move marks the first time the former Arsenal midfielder has taken charge of a national team during his burgeoning managerial career.
After hanging up his boots in 2011 following a two-season stint at Manchester City, Vieira took up a coaching role at the Premier League club's academy.
From there he was appointed head coach at fellow City Football Group side New York City FC in MLS, where he spent two seasons before moving on to his native France with Nice.
He later spent two years at Selhurst Park with Crystal Palace, reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup during his first season in charge before being sacked following a twelve-game winless run the following year.
Viera subsequently returned to Ligue 1 with Strasbourg where he spent just a single campaign before moving to Genoa.
Senegal currently sit 18th in the latest international rankings, higher than any other African team.
They reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in January, defeating Morocco 1-0 after extra time in the final to claim their second title.
However, the result was later overturned by the Confederation of African Football due to a walkout during the game - with the trophy instead awarded to losing finalists Morocco.
