John Terry is an early name in the frame for the vacant Bournemouth job.
The promotion-targeting Cherries are hunting for a new manager after sacking Jason Tindall following four straight league defeats and a run of one win in eight which has left them sixth in the Championship and eight points off the top two.
Bournemouth have quickly received interest in the job from a number of eye-catching names. Patrick Vieira is another high-profile figure to emerge as a possible contender.
Bournemouth are aware of Aston Villa assistant coach Terry's ambition to move into management and believe he would be interested in the role.
The former England captain has been on Bournemouth's radar before and was close to joining as a player with a view to eventually succeeding then manager Eddie Howe after leaving Chelsea in 2017.
Arsenal legend Vieira is currently out of work after being sacked by Nice in December. He has also managed New York City FC and previously been considered for the Newcastle job.
Bournemouth are planning to make an external appointment though finances are tight which may affect the experience of manager they can attract and increase the likelihood that an out of work boss will be chosen.
Sportsmail understands agreeing compensation with Villa for Terry would not be an issue should Bournemouth choose to pursue the 40 year-old.
A return to the Vitality Stadium for Eddie Howe is considered highly unlikely, meanwhile Frank Lampard is admired at Bournemouth but currently expected to take a longer break from the game following his Chelsea sacking last week.
Bournemouth's hierarchy began the process of drawing up a shortlist after parting with Tindall without a successor lined up.
They want an immediate return to the Premier League this season and are prepared to take their time to consider their options and ensure they end up with the right appointment.
Former Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate, who joined Bournemouth's coaching staff just this week, will take training and be in caretaker charge of their game against Birmingham on Saturday.
kibedi
0
lampard could be better