PEDRO CAIXINHA looks set to be appointed manager of Mexican club Cruz Azul, after club chiefs flew to Portugal for talks to land the flop former Rangers boss.

Four clubs in Mexico have been linked for a move for the Portuguese manager, whose stock is high in Central America after winning the Mexican title with Santos Laguna two years ago.

2 Pedro Caixinha looks set for a quick-fire return to management Credit: Tom Farmer - The Sun Glasgow

Santos Laguna were linked with re-hiring Caixinha and he's on a three-man shortlist with CONCACAF Champions League winners Pachuca. Pumas have also been credited with an interest.

But Mexico City giants Cruz Azul look to have won the race to land Caixinha after flying out to Portugal to discuss terms with him.

Cruz Azul's Spanish manager Francisco Jemez's contract expires next month and they have already decided to replace him.

And Mexico's respected TV and radio pundit, Nicolas Romay, has revealed that a deal to get Caixinha in is close.

2 The Portuguese coach was sacked by Rangers three years ago Credit: Keith Campbell - The Sun Glasgow

He said: "There is already a pre-agreement reached with Pedro Caixinha to be manager of Cruz Azul for the second part of the season in 2018.

"They have met with Caixinha in Portugal and the deal is agreed.

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"As soon as Jemez's contract expires, Caixinha will arrive at the club."

Caixinha's agent, Nuno Batista, initially claimed his client had yet to agree a severance package with Rangers - which the Ibrox club denied.

But it seems certain that Caixinha is ready to relaunch his managerial career in a country that brought him success.

Meanwhile former Premier League bosses Guy Poyet and Tim Sherwood have confirmed their interest in replacing Caixinha.

And ex-Gers star Henning Berg has applied for the manager's job, according to reports.

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