Dundee United have asked the SFA for permission to speak to Malky Mackay about becoming their new manager.
The Tannadice club have made the former Watford, Cardiff City and Wigan boss their leading candidate to replace Robbie Neilson.
And Mailsport understands SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell will grant the request, with Mackay keen to hold talks with United.
The 48-year-old has been Performance Director at Hampden since December 2016, having previously managed in the English Premier League.
And he’s now clear favourite to take over from Neilson, who left Tayside for Hearts last week.
United’s hierarchy had drawn up a shortlist of potential new gaffers, with the likes of Billy McKinlay, Micky Mellon and Steve Cotterill all interested in the post.
But Mackay is now top of the list to take charge of the Scottish Premiership new boys next term.
United made their move and with Mackay keen to get back into management, it’s unlikely that the SFA will stand in his way.
The former Scotland defender led Cardiff to a League Cup Final in 2012 and the following season won promotion with the Bluebirds to the Premier League.
After Gordon Strachan’s departure as Scotland boss in October 2017, Mackay was appointed caretaker for one game - a 1-0 defeat to Holland at Pittodrie.
