Swansea City have officially confirmed that Paulo Sousa will become the new manager of the club, subject to terms being agreed.

Offering Sousa a three year deal at the club, Swans chairman Huw Jenkins hopes to unveil the new man in the Liberty Stadium hot-seat early next week.

As a player the 38 year old had played his football in the best leagues in the world with the likes of Inter Milan, Benfica, Borrusia Dortmund and Juventus on his CV. His first move into management could not have been a more important one coaching the nation of his birth. As Carlos Queiroz's number two with the Portuguese national side the former midfielder gained vital experience.

A few months later QPR came calling and handed Sousa his first full managerial post. However in April this year he felt the ever wielding axe of Hoops chairman Flavio Briatore after divulging confidential information regarding the transfer of Dexter Blackstock to Nottingham Forest.

Until yesterday Uruguayan Gus Poyet had been favourite to succeed Roberto Martinez at the helm of the club.

Jenkins has also spoken of his delight at landing Sousa and believes that he is the right man to take this club forward over the next couple of years, he said ”Taking into account the development of the football club over the last two and a half years and the image we have portrayed as a footballing side, myself and the board of directors felt it was vital to continue along the same lines.”

"It was felt that Paulo Sousa is the right man to do this. He is young, bright, enthusiastic and a visionary with extensive knowledge and contacts not only throughout Europe, but world football.

"He will provide Swansea City with a fantastic chance to continue developing and growing over the next few years.

"As a club we feel strongly that we have created something completely different in the British game and become renowned as a quality football team with supporters who really appreciate the way we try and play the game.

"We are committed to keeping this theme moving forward under the leadership and guidance of Paulo Sousa who, I'm pleased to say, has verbally accepted the job.''

 Sousa has returned to Portugal to mull over the move with his family.

Photo: Action Images

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