Paulo Sousa is set to be sacked as Queens Park Rangers manager over Easter.

Chairman Flavio Briatore, sporting director Gianni Paladini and Sousa have held a series of crisis talks this week following the sudden departure of assistant boss Bruno Oliviera on Monday.

Standard Sport understands the 38-year-old former Juventus and Inter Milan midfielder is reluctant to walk away but Loftus Road chiefs are looking to avoid a sizeable pay-off for a manager given a two-and-a-half year contract only last November.

Gareth Ainsworth, who became part of Sousa's coaching staff after a spell as caretaker boss following Iain Dowie's exit, is likely to take temporary charge.

Bristol City manager Gary Johnson is thought to be among the early front runners to take the job permanently in the summer.

No more talks are scheduled for today and Sousa took training this morning as usual, but an announcement is expected this weekend over the termination of the Portuguese's contract.

Briatore will attend Rangers' match at Burnley on Saturday before the visit of Sheffield Wednesday 48 hours later. The Italian, who is also boss of Formula One team Renault, is thought to want a conclusion before Tuesday as he is expected to attend an FIA hearing in Paris.

Sousa was appointed with the brief of taking Rangers into the play-offs with a more entertaining brand of football. But he has earned just seven wins in 26 games and has had his authority undermined by the sacking of his No2 Oliviera — for which the club gave no reason whatsoever.