The Democratic Alliance has said it will oppose the reported appointment of Mo Shaik as the new director-general of the National Intelligence Agency.

The contract of the current head, Manala Manzini, will expire on Monday and Shaik is believed to be the favourite to fill the void.

Shaik is the brother of fraud convict Schabir Shaik and one of President Jacob Zuma's closest allies.

The DA's Theo Coetzee says Zuma wants to deploy his loyal friends in key state positions.

"Instead of moving away from corruption with all his appointments, especially this new head of intelligence, (he) is trying to cover up and return favours for favours."

He adds there is doubt that Shaik has the experience to fulfil a role as important as head of the NIA.

Shaik has denied he has been formally approached to take over from Manzini.

The former Foreign Affairs employee worked in the African National Congress?s intelligence structures during apartheid.