As Pompey edge nearer to naming a new manager, the number of names in the frame is reducing.

Former Peterborough boss Grant McCann is no longer thought to be in the running - leaving Ian Foster and Liam Manning as possibly the two most likely appointees.

The News reported on Tuesday that McCann, who has managed Posh and Hull City, had been among the bookies’ favourites over the last few days. But portsmouth.co.uk added: ''The News understands representatives of McCann had a conversation with the Blues more than a week ago. However, McCann’s people have subsequently received no further contact and do not consider him a candidate at this stage.'

Manning and Foster have been widely talked about as being interested in the job and thought highly of by the Pompey hierachy, but there remains the chance another name - perhaps even one who has not been widely mentioned in the discussions that have followed Danny Cowley's sacking - could be given the job.

Port Vale's ex-Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke is one who has ruled himself out of the job amid reports that the Blues will make their choice on Wednesday - giving the new boss 13 days of the transfer window to bring in reinforcements.

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