Tasnim - Tony Oliveira is close to being appointed as Iran’s Tractor Sazi’s coach in less than nine months.

The 68-year-old Portuguese has returned to Iran for the third stint.

Oliveira will replace Rasoul Khatibi, who was sacked in the wake of last Friday's humiliating home 3-1 defeat to Padideh in the Iranian Professional League (IPL).

Khatibi was named as the head coach of the Tabriz-based club with an undisclosed three-year contract last June.

The former Hamburger SV striker replaced Oliveira in the team.

Tractor Sazi will feature Iran in the AFC Champions League in the upcoming season.