Former European Union trade chief Pascal Lamy has been nominated as by a key selection panel to become the next head of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Although it is not binding on members, diplomats said the verdict would be difficult to contest - given it had been reached after interviewing almost all 148 members to find which of the candidates came closest to consensus backing.
The WTO, which was deeply split last time it had to choose a new director-general, is anxious to avoid another confrontation because it fears this could further delay progress in its Doha Round of free trade negotiations.
The new chief, who will serve four years, has little direct power but much potential influence. A formal decision on whether to accept the panel's recommendation will be taken by the general council, on which all members sit, possibly on May 26th.
Some developing countries had said they were angry at the diplomatic pressure on them to support Mr Lamy and would find it hard to join any consensus in favour of the Frenchman.
WTO rules allow for a vote in the general council, if consensus cannot be reached, but diplomats say that would be the worst outcome because of the ill-feeling it could generate.
Last-minute campaigning has focused on the former supporters of Mauritian Foreign Minister Jaya Krishna Cuttaree, who went out in the last round of soundings by the panel.
Diplomats said many of more than 50 African, Caribbean and Pacific members who backed Mr Cuttaree were now with Mr Lamy.
The current WTO director-general, Supachai Panitchpakdi of Thailand, steps down at the end of August.