AP Source: Paulo Sousa agrees to become Red Bulls coach

Paulo Sousa had been the coach of Hungary's Videoton until Jan. 7.

/AP

A person familiar with the situation says former Portugal playmaker Paulo Sousa has agreed to become head coach of the New York Red Bulls.

The person says Sousa's appointment is due to be announced by the end of the week. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the situation publicly.

The Red Bulls have been searching for a new head coach since deciding in November not to renew Hans Backe's contract after three seasons.

Sousa, who has managed British clubs Queens Park Rangers, Swansea and Leicester, left his job at Hungarian club Videoton last week citing family reasons after winning three trophies inside two years.

Sousa won titles as a player with Benfica, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.

His impending Red Bulls appointment was first reported by the SoccerByIves website.