Peter Reid is believed to have won the race to be named as Plymouth's new manager after a lengthy search for Paul Mariner's successor.
The 55-year-old is thought to have beaten off a challenge from Jim Magilton for the job at Home Park, as Argyle look to win promotion from League One at the first time of asking.
Reid has made no secret of his desire to take up another managerial role having spent the last year as Tony Pulis' right hand man at Stoke and he will move on with the Premier League club's blessing.
City chairman Peter Coates said: "It's a matter more for Tony than for me but Tony wouldn't want to stop Peter going to Plymouth.
"I know he said to Peter when he came to Stoke that he wouldn't stand in his way if an offer like this came along.
"Peter has been a valuable member of the management staff, but there was always the possibility that a man with his experience would get an offer from somewhere.
"He's always expressed an interest to return to management, so he would go there with our best wishes."
Pulis appointed the former Everton and England star as his assistant last August after he quit his role coaching Thailand's national team.
Reid was almost appointed the club's manager back in 2005 but the Pilgrims opted instead to give the job ironically to Pulis.