The Frenchman, who guided Japan to the last 16 of the 2002 World Cup, is expected to arrive in Naha, Okinawa on Wednesday to attend a press conference where his role for the 2008 season will be revealed.

FC Ryuku were promoted to the JFL in 2006 and finished 17th out of the 18-team nationwide non-professional league this season with 21 defeats and just seven wins. That form resulted in the dismissal of manager Hideo Yoshizawa in November.

Earlier this month Troussier had held talks with Australia and was seen as favourite to take charge of the Socceroos before they decided to appoint Pim Verbeek.

As well as Japan the 52-year-old has also managed French side Marseille and was most recently in charge of the Morocco national team.