Pool chairman Ken Hodcroft has reluctantly gave Sheffield Wednesday permission to speak to Turner about the vacant managerial position at Hillsborough - and talks will start tomorrow morning.

Both parties, however, are expecting a swift conclusion and Turner is poised to take charge of his new club for the first time when they go to Norwich on Saturday.

Wednesday's move for Turner comes after former Sunderland boss Peter Reid turned down the post, describing the position as 'the right club at the wrong time'.

Former Ipswich boss George Burley was interviewed over the weekend, but it appears his financial demands scuppered his chances.

After Yorath's departure and before Reid's rejection Turner swiftly moved to the top of the list and became overwhelming favourite with the bookies.

Hodcroft said: "We can confirm we were contacted this morning by Wednesday to seek permission to talk to Chris Turner about the vacant manager's job at that club.

"After lengthy discussions with Chris this morning we have reluctantly allowed him to talk to his home town club.

"He confirmed that any other manager's job his name has been linked to has never been of interest to him as he is very happy at Hartlepool United.

"However, he has supported Sheffield Wednesday since he was a child and, of course, he also played for the club. The move, which is by no means certain, but if confirmed, would be a personal goal achieved by Chris and reward for all his excellent work at Hartlepool.''

In January last year both Turner and assistant Colin West - who is likely to follow Turner to Hillsborough - signed rolling contracts to extend their stay at Victoria Park. The contracts were fixed until June this year and then they continue as long as both parties feel necessary.

That means Sheffield Wednesday won't have to pay compensation for Turner's services as the contracts can be ended with only a short notice period.

Turner, appointed in February 1999, and West took training for what is expected to be the last time this morning.