Former Leeds boss David O'Leary is being lined up as an assistant coach with Serie A champions Juventus, according to British newspapers.

The Daily Mail and The Independent report that veteran Juve boss Marcello Lippi has singled out O'Leary as one of the brightest young coaching talents in the game.

It is understood that the deal would only be for one year, as Lippi's contract expires at the end of the 2002-03 season but the lure of working with some of Europe's top players, such as David Trezuguet and Alessandro del Piero, could prove irresistible to O'Leary.

The papers report that the Irishman has been approached by the Turin club and is currently considering whether to move his family away from Yorkshire.

O'Leary's coaching reputation in Italy is high, following Leeds' run to the Champions League semi-finals two seasons ago.