Former Wales striker Dean Saunders is thought to be on a six-man shortlist for the new Wales manager. BBC Sport understands that the Newcastle assistant coach is one of three Welshmen on the list alongside Ian Rush and John Toshack.
The other candidates are Dutchman Dick Advocaat, plus French pair Gerard Houllier and Philippe Troussier.
That means the FA of Wales appears to have snubbed former Wrexham and Swansea manager Brian Flynn.
So far, only Flynn and former Tranmere boss John Aldridge have confirmed that they want the job, but neither man appears to have the confidence of the FAW.
Saunders has been forging a successful coaching career as assistant to Graeme Souness, following him to Newcastle from Blackburn.
Souness would be loathe to lose the services of Saunders and was unwilling to answer questions on his assistant's future after the Magpies' 2-1 loss at Bolton on Sunday.
That contrasts with the stance of Chester, who have given their fledgling manager Rush permission to speak to the FAW.
Troussier's is a new name to emerge for the role vacated by Mark Hughes.
The bespectacled Frenchman coached Nigeria to the 1998 World Cup finals, before managing Burkina Faso to a surprise fourth place in the African Nations Cup.
He led South Africa to their first World Cup, before taking over as coach of 2002 World Cup co-hosts Japan.
Troussier was linked with the Republic of Ireland job before the appointment of Brian Kerr.
The FAW's David Collins said he hoped the committee will recommend a new manager to the FAW council in November.
MMIX
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