Hull are to name a new boss before the Portsmouth clash with Iain Dowie favourite and Mark Hughes and Gary Megson also in the frame.
Tigers chairman Adam Pearson is keen to name a replacement as soon as possible and apparently has a short list of five prospective new managers.
Dowie is remaining quiet but he is said to be top of the list that also includes Alan Curbishley and Terry Venables but chairman Pearson is staying quiet over his targets but has stressed the need for a quick appointment.
He told the Mail: "We've got names lined up and we're attacking that list with as much gusto as we can to make sure the procedure is as prompt and speedy as possible.
"My experience in these matters is that we need to wrap something up pretty quickly.
"We'd like to have someone in place by the back end of the week to take the team for Saturday's game certainly."