Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has expressed an interest in coaching A-League battlers Newcastle Jets, with Harry Kewell also among the contenders.
The Australian reports that Fowler, who had playing stints in Australia with North Queensland Fury and Perth Glory, has approached the club and will be considered.
Former Liverpool and Australia star Kewell and ex-Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham are also rumoured to be in the mix.
Fowler said in a text message to The Australian that he "would be interested if everything was right." The former England international was reportedly interested in the job last year before the appointment of Mark Jones, who was axed last week after the club claimed the wooden spoon.
Jets chief executive Lawrie McKinna said an approach by Fowler's agent has been made.
"It is an interesting one and we would certainly have to look at it," McKinna told The Australian.
Fowler, who also played for clubs including Leeds and Manchester City, scored 163 Premier League goals and earned 27 England caps, but has limited senior coaching experience.
The club's football operations boss Joel Griffiths said contenders for the role would be scrutinised heavily, including Kewell, who coached Premier League club Watford's under-23s until last week.
"We can't afford to get this wrong," Griffiths told SBS. "People's jobs are on the line. Mine is and the same with Lawrie.
"With Harry, he'd bring plenty of headlines and he has a great playing pedigree. I don't know so much about his coaching pedigree."
Newcastle sacked Jones after the club went from finals contenders to wooden spooners by losing their final six games and going winless in their last 10. They signed Irish striker Roy O'Donovan from Central Coast on a two-year A-League deal on Wednesday.