Pompey ready for Strachan talks

Strachan has been out of management since February

Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric is set to sound out Gordon Strachan about the managerial post at Fratton Park.

If successful in luring Strachan, the move would follow ex-Pompey boss Harry Redknapp taking over at south-coast rivals Southampton on 8 December.

"We have interest in Gordon," Mandaric told BBC Five Live.

"We have not had dialogue with Gordon yet. I think it is just speculation at the moment but anyone not interested in Gordon, if available, would be wrong."

Strachan left Southampton in February 2004 and has since been spending more time with his family - as well as studying different coaching methods around the world while working as a BBC television pundit.

I want someone happier out there coaching the players rather than worrying about money Milan Mandaric

Any new manager at Portsmouth will have to work with director of football Velimir Zajec and Mandaric wants someone in the mould of Everton boss David Moyes.

"The man we're looking for will be young, ambitious, energetic and have a proven track record," said Mandaric.

"I want someone happier out there coaching the players rather than worrying about money.

"Someone who will help our young players like Gary O'Neil and Matthew Taylor develop.

"There is no better example of that than David Moyes at Everton, so the ideal situation would be to find another one like him."

Mandaric claims to have had 30 applications for the vacant Portsmouth job but is in no rush, with former Panathinaikos technical director Zajec winning seven out of nine points while in temporary charge.

Mandaric added: "I am not surprised by his success. He has done it before.

"That is why we do not have to rush to bring in a new head coach."