Derby County are close to naming Chris Powell as their new permanent manager following the departure of Nigel Pearson, according to a report.
The 47-year-old had acted as assistant to Pearson until the former Leicester City boss was axed on Saturday evening, two weeks on from being suspended by the club.
Powell has since helped to steady the ship at the iPro Stadium by claiming four points from games against Cardiff City and Reading, helping the Rams to stay afloat at the bottom end of the Championship following a dismal start to the campaign.
Sky Sports News reports that Powell, who spent two years at Derby as a player, could be appointed at some stage next week as County look to make the smoothest managerial transition possible.
Gary Rowett, David Wagner and Steve Bruce have also been touted with the job, but Powell - who has previously managed Charlton Athletic and Huddersfield Town at this level - is now the leading contender with many bookmakers.
