Pompey turn to Perrin and Pleat

"Alain is coming as manager and he will have full responsibility to pick the team."

Former Southampton manager Gordon Strachan and Tranmere boss Brian Little had been touted as candidates for the job.

But Portsmouth have now turned to Perrin, who was a candidate to take charge at neighbours Southampton last season.

He played under Arsene Wenger at Nancy and was given his first coaching job there before progressingto Troyes. He took them from France's semi-professional fourth division into the top flight and then into Europe inside 10 years. Perrin moved on to coach Marseille in 2002 and took them into the Champions League at the first attempt.

Perrin and Pleat would be relatively cheap choices for Mandaric, who wants to make temporary appointments with a view to permanent deals.

ARSENAL'S Jeremie Aliadiere has admitted he would like to join Paris St Germain if Arsene Wenger decides the 22-year-old striker is no longer part of his plans.
Aliadiere, who was born in a suburb of Paris, has a contract which runs until June 2006. He told Le Parisien newspaper: "I don't really want to leave Arsenal and my priority is to re-sign with them, but if this does not happen I really would like to join PSG."

MARK VIDUKA'S season is over after he suffered a recurrence of the hamstring problem which has hampered him since Boxing Day.
The 29-year-old Middlesbrough striker made his comeback from hamstring and back injuries at Crystal Palace on Saturday after 17 games on the sidelines, but lasted just 11 minutes.
"It is hugely disappointing for Mark and the club," said Boro manager Steve McClaren.