Brazilian Nelsinho, who stepped down as manager at Kashiwa Reysol at the end of this season, is set to take the reins at Vissel Kobe next season.
A club official, who held talks with Nelsinho on Tuesday, said the deal has all but been sealed. Ryo Adachi resigned as manager at the end of the season after Kobe finished in 11th place in the J. League.
The names of former Cerezo Osaka manager Levir Culpi and former Kashima Antlers boss Oswaldo Oliviera had also risen as candidates to take the helm at Kobe.
The 64-year-old Nelsinho, who also managed Nagoya Grampus, was appointed Kashiwa manager in July 2009.
The club was relegated to J2 the same year but earned a promotion back to the J1 top division the following year before winning the league championship in 2011.
This year, Kashiwa snatched fourth place and a potential berth in the Asian Champions League with a 2-0 victory over Albirex Niigata in the final match of the year on Monday.