Ian Foster is on a three-week sabbatical at the Ospreys

The Ospreys have pinpointed the coach they want to spearhead their drive to European and domestic glory.

But the BBC understands the Welsh region cannot unveil their chosen man because the foreign coach in question is still under contract elsewhere.

The Ospreys parted company with previous head coach Lyn Jones despite him winning the EDF Energy Cup.

The Ospreys have been linked with New Zealand assistant coach Steve Hansen and Chiefs head coach Ian Foster.

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Former Wales coach Hansen had officially ruled himself out of the running for the Liberty Stadium post.

But Hansen and Ospreys Elite Performance Director Andrew Hore enjoyed a very close working relationship at Canterbury Crusaders and for the Welsh national team.

Waikato Chiefs boss Foster, meanwhile, is currently on a three-week sabbatical at the Ospreys helping caretaker coach Sean Holley.

But Hore recently insisted: "Ian is not in the frame for the Ospreys head coach."

BBC Wales Sport understands the new man is a recognisable rugby name based oversees and the Ospreys are trying to negotiate a deal to bring him to the Liberty Stadium.

Jones' former assistant Holley and forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys were in charge of the Ospreys for their opening weekend Magners League win at Connacht.