The Dutchman, who has been without a job since parting company with Galatasaray midway through last season, won two Primera Division titles and the Champions League during his time in charge at the Nou Camp and is expected to sign a three-year deal to succeed Ricardo Gomes.

Gomes had been announced as Saudi Arabia's new boss earlier this month but his deal was terminated due to a disagreement over when he would take up the role.

Should Rijkaard take over he will face a stiff challenge to revitalise a side that failed to qualify for last year's World Cup and have fallen to 92nd in the world rankings.