Portsmouth are understood to have concluded interviews for their vacant managerial position.

The south coast side have been talking to potential candidates for the past three days.

Chris Wilder spoke to Pompey on Tuesday having been granted permission by Oxford United.

However, interestingly, having been joint favourite with Richie Barker for the position overnight, the U’s manager was last night a 20-1 chance with one bookmaker for the job.

Barker, who was sacked by Crawley last month, appears to be in pole position for the job, with caretaker manager Andy Awford and Exeter boss Paul Tisdale above Wilder in the betting.

Portsmouth are also believed to have interviewed Steve Claridge and David Connolly.

Chief executive Mark Catlin hopes that a new man can be in place at the start of next week.

“The last meeting is this afternoon,” he said yesterday morning.

“From that moment the board will choose a candidate.

“That candidate will then be invited back for one final chat and at that point we will enter contract talks with them.

“The aim is still Monday and – with football being a weekend business – we can work over a Friday, Saturday and Sunday to get everything completed.”