Maheta Molango is set to succeed Gordon Taylor as chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association.
Four independent non-executive directors have been leading the recruitment process to find the union's first new chief executive in 40 years.
Taylor has held the post since 1981 and the PFA has confirmed an Independent Advisory Panel has recommended former Brighton striker Molango for the post.
In a statement, the PFA said: "Following an open recruitment process for the Professional Footballers' Association's next chief executive, an Independent Advisory Panel has recommended Maheta Molango to the Players' Board.
"In conjunction with an external recruitment agency, the Advisory Panel has led an independent and transparent search for the PFA's next chief executive.
"The PFA Players' Board unanimously approved the proposed candidate, and the PFA will now look to finalise terms and formalise the appointment."
