Fernando Santos 'set for the axe' following Portugal's shock World Cup exit at the hands of Morocco with Lille boss Paulo Fonseca the No 1 choice to replace him

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Portugal boss Fernando Santos is set to be sacked after their World Cup quarter-final exit, with Lille manager Paulo Fonseca the frontrunner to replace him. 

Morocco overcame Santos' side in the last eight, leaving the Portugal manager under huge pressure, and according to GOAL, the Portuguese Football Federation are now set to end his eight-year stint in charge of the national team. 

Santos' decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo for the last-16 clash with Switzerland paid off, as his replacement Goncalo Ramos netted a hat-trick in their 6-1 win. However, he's faced some criticisms over leaving Ronaldo on the bench for the Morocco tie. 

Fernando Santos could be removed from his post as Portugal manager after World Cup exit 

If Santos is removed from his post, Portugal are not short of possible contenders for the role. Jose Mourinho has already been linked with the post, but Paulo Fonseca looks to be a strong option for the PFF. 

Fonseca only took over at French side Lille in the summer and is under contract until 2024, but the former centre-back could be tempted by the role of national team manager. 

He as previously coached in Portugal, most notably with Porto, and also enjoyed a successful spell in Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk and a short stint as manager of Roma. 

Lille manager Paulo Fonseca is the number one choice to succeed Santos as Portugal manager 

The 49-year-old also has close ties with the Portugal Football Federation after he and his wife Katerina, became ambassadors of an FPF project supporting the hosting, integration and employment of Ukrainian refugees. 

Fonseca's attractive style of football would also appease the Portugal fans who have often became tired of Santos' more conservative style. He has also come under some scrutiny for not getting more out of the talent he's had at his disposal during his tenure. 

This is despite leading Portugal to their first major trophy when they defeated France to win Euro 2016 and their Nations League triumph in 2019. 

Santos led Portugal to glory at Euro 2016 when they won their first major tournament trophy

The appointment of a new coach could have a baring on whether Ronaldo decides to continue his international career following Portugal's World Cup exit. 

After the Morocco game Ronaldo took to Instagram where he stated his world cup dream was over and that he would leave it to others to draw conclusions to what is next for the Portuguese icon. 

The 37-year-old is already looking for a new club after being released by Manchester United earlier this month, but could yet call time on his international career after 196 caps and 118 goals.