Coleman, who was sacked by Fulham in April after four years in charge, is negotiating a three-year deal with the San Sebastian-based club, who dropped out of the top flight after 40 years following a disastrous campaign which saw them go winless until the week before Christmas.

Sociedad said the club's board had to ratify the final details of a contract for Coleman, who would follow in the footsteps of fellow Welshman John Toshack if he does take over the club, which won the league title in 1981 and 1982.

Like former Liverpool star Toshack, Coleman also was on the books of Swansea City as a player, the former taking the club to the top flight in straight seasons from the old fourth division in England.

Coleman, 37, also played for Manchester City, Crystal Palace, Blackburn Rovers and Fulham, while he also won more than 30 Welsh caps.