Wales will name Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs as new manager ahead of Nations League draw in Lausanne

RYAN GIGGS will be named as the new manager of Wales on a four-year deal.

The Football Association of Wales will announce the replacement for Chris Coleman at a press conference in Cardiff at 2pm.

Giggs was one of four candidates interviewed by the Football Association of Wales on Thursday to succeed Coleman.

But the FAW, led by chief executive Jonathan Ford, have handed Giggs, 44, his first full-time taste of management with the final touches on the contract to be finalised this morning.

Craig Bellamy, Osian Roberts and Mark Bowen were also interviewed for the post vacated by Coleman who quit for Sunderland in November.

Following Cookie's departure, the FAW wanted their new manager in place ahead of the Nations League draw in Lausanne on January 24 as they bid to bounce back from failing to qualify for this summer's World Cup.

Giggs, who has been out of work since leaving United as No 2 to Louis van Gaal in the summer of 2016 following the arrival of Jose Mourinho, branded managing Wales as 'one of the top jobs'.

It is thought the salary on offer to take charge of the Dragons is less than Coleman's £500,000-a-year contract.

But the 64-cap ace, who has yet to have his first permanent role as a manager after previously missing out on the Swansea job, has been a long-term target of the FAW.

However, his first task will be to win over a section of Wales fans who questioned his commitment during his 16-year playing career after he pulled out of squads for numerous friendly matches with Sir Alex Ferguson keen for the winger to rest during international periods.

Plus his decision to be a pundit for ITV watching England games rather than view his own country in the last 18 months has also raised eyebrows among hardcore Welsh supporters.

Ironically, Giggs' first game in charge will be in a friendly - in the China Cup against the hosts in Nanning on March 22 with a further game against either Uruguay or Czech
Republic also scheduled in the Far East four days later.

It is understood no decision has yet been made on the make-up of Giggs' backroom staff but it is anticipated Roberts, the FAW's technical director, will remain part of the set-up.

SunSport also believes former Wales captain Giggs will have the backing of predecessor Coleman, who had previously stated he wanted a Welshman to follow his good work during almost six years with the highlight reaching the Euro 2016 semi-finals.

And Coleman will also take time out to personally call rookie manager Giggs, who took charge of United for four games as a caretaker following the sacking of David Moyes in April 2014, with his best wishes as he begins his new role with the national side.