LONDON (AFP) - Former Liverpool and France coach Gerard Houllier and Fulham manager Chris Coleman have stepped into the frame for the job of Wales coach following Mark Hughes departure for Blackburn Rovers.
Players' favourite Gary Speed, who retired from international football after Wednesday's 3-2 home defeat to Poland, could lose out because his club Bolton have demanded 750,000 pounds in compensation for the midfielder.
And former Welsh boss John Toshack is unwanted by the players.
Houllier spoke with the Welsh FA last week, the Daily Mirror reported, and could be interviewed for the job after the final short-list is drawn up later this month.
Houllier's experience and expertise at setting up programmes to develop youth talent, which he showed in France, was believed to have tilted the balance in his favour.
The players' choice would be a combination of captain Speed and former Swansea and Wrexham manager Brian Flynn.
However, Speed's chances of getting involved with Wales' managerial set-up may be hampered by his club manager Sam Allardyce, who sees the midfielder as a crucial part of his plans at Bolton.
Speed is under contract at Bolton until 2006 and Wanderers are in no mood to let their midfield star go unless there is a fee.
A big name like Houllier would help to boost the profile of Welsh football which is now desperately in need of a lift.
The only obstacle for Houllier is that many senior Welsh figures would prefer a home-grown candidate to take the job.
However, that could be solved if Ian Rush, Houllier's former striking coach at Liverpool, or Speed, were brought in to work alongside him.
But the Daily Mail reports that Fulham boss Coleman, Swansea-born and capped 32 times, is also interested in the job.