Davies is linked with a return to Llanelli's Stradey Park

Davies has emerged as the favourite to take over at Llanelli Scarlets after Gareth Jenkins leaves to coach Wales.

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington said: "It's not a surprise that when a job becomes available that Phil Davies' name is linked with it.

"Leeds Tykes are not a big name, but Phil has always resisted the temptation to move. I think he sees his future in continuing to build Leeds Tykes."

He added: "Phil has been and still is a very big part of our club and he remains in place to do another big job."

Ex-Wales and Llanelli captain Davies was interviewed for the vacant Wales job, which eventually boiled down to a straight head-to-head between him and Jenkins.

One day hopefully my time will come however I would like to congratulate Gareth on his appointment Leeds Tykes director of rugby

Davies led Leeds from Division Three to the Premiership in five years, took them into the Heineken Cup, and won the Powergen Cup last season.

His reputation has taken a blow this season following Leeds' relegation from England's top flight, but Jenkins believes he is a ready-made replacement for him at Stradey Park.

"The Scarlets' next challenge has got to be to appoint a successor and Phil has got to be a strong candidate for that appointment," said Jenkins.

Davies has remained tight-lipped over his future plans, saying only that he focused on finishing the season "strongly" with Leeds.

But the 42-year-old did pass on his best wishes to Jenkins and said he has not given up hope of one day coaching Wales.

He said: "I have never hid my desire that I would like to coach my country at some point in my career and I felt by being part of this process that I would be able to see where I currently stood and the areas I needed to improve to be ready to fill that position.

"One day hopefully my time will come however I would like to congratulate Gareth on his appointment, he is a coach who I have the utmost respect for.

"I hope everyone gets fully behind him and the Welsh team as they prepare for the World Cup next year."