Troussier managed Japan in the 2002 World Cup finals

The former Nigeria, South Africa and Japan boss, is to meet Football Association of Wales Secretary general David Collins to discuss the job.

Troussier, 49, is on a short-list of six drawn up by the FAW.

Two others on the list, Ian Rush and Dick Advocaat are out of contention, leaving John Toshack as favourite.

Chester boss Rush pulled out of the race on Tuesday, saying he wanted to concentrate on club management.

And German side Borussia Monchengladbach have named former Holland and Rangers manager Advocaat as their new manager.

The other names on the FAW's list are Gerard Houllier and Dean Saunders, but Toshack's appointment is thought to be awaiting the rubber stamp.

"It's very flattering to be linked with the Welsh job, but having just started at Chester I found myself in a very difficult position," said Rush.

"That's why I made my decision to stay and try to establish my managerial credentials at the Deva Stadium."

Wales should get a foreign manager. Toshack's not going to help their cause From MB Have your say on 606

Rush has only been in management since taking over at Chester in August following Mark Wright's eve-of-season departure.

Last week, the club regretfully agreed to give him permission to speak to the FAW, saying that they could not compete with the lure of the Wales job.

Rush began his playing career at Chester in the late 1970s before moving to Liverpool where he won five league titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the European Cup once in 1984.

He played 73 times for Wales and is the country's record scorer with 28 goals.

I intend to be the manager at the Deva Stadium for a long time to come Ian Rush

"Nothing would make me prouder than managing my country one day," said Rush in his column for the Liverpool Echo.

"At the same time, I feel very passionately about continuing my career at Chester.

"Leaving was the last thing on my mind, the recent developments really did come out of the blue.

"My main focus remains helping Chester move towards the play-off places and I intend to be the manager at the Deva Stadium for a long time to come."