Grant favourite for Pompey post

Avram Grant is the hot favourite in the betting markets to replace sacked Portsmouth boss Tony Adams. It is understood that Joe Jordan has also been linked as a shock replacement for Adams.

The Premier League strugglers confirmed the departure of Adams "with immediate effect" on Monday morning after they collected just two wins in his 16 top-flight games in charge.

Pompey lost 3-2 to Liverpool on Saturday after conceding two late goals, and the Fratton Park board have opted to remove Adams and his assistant Johnny Metgod.

Former Arsenal and England captain Adams had only been in charge on the south coast since October 25 when he was named caretaker manager following the departure of Harry Redknapp.

A Portsmouth spokesman told the club's website: "This has been a very difficult decision and Tony has worked tirelessly to arrest the slump in form.

"He is rightfully highly-respected within the football world and played a major role in our FA Cup triumph last season. We would like to thank him and John and wish them well in the future."

But already former Portsmouth director of football Grant has emerged as the favourite at odds of 3.05.

The former Chelsea boss leads the betting with former Charlton and West Ham boss Alan Curbishley second favourite to take up the permanent reins after the club's director of youth operations Paul Hart was installed as caretaker manager.