DHAKA: Former Barcelona coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino is on the verge of being confirmed as Argentina’s new coach, according to the general secretary of the country's football association (AFA).

Martino left Camp Nou following a disappointing 2013-14 season that saw Barca miss out on the Primera Division title and fail to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2007.

However, Tata is set to be named as Alejandro Sabella’s successor in the coming days, with AFA general secretary Miguel Silva admitting that there are only small details to be sorted out before an announcement is made.

“Our first candidate is Martino. If we agree with the economic issue and the agreements that everyone seeks, Martino will be the new coach,” said Silva.

“We have one outstanding point, and we'll either agree or we will not agree.”

Sabella quit as coach of the Albiceleste following the national team’s 1-0 defeat to Germany in July’s World Cup final, and Martino was all set to replace him before AFA president Julio Grondona’s death on July 30.

Luis Segura was confirmed on Wednesday as Grondona’s replacement, paving the way for talks with Martino to be completed.

Source: Goal.com

BDST:1112 HRS, AUG 08,2014