Moyes emerges as leading candidate to take charge of US national team

David Moyes has emerged as a leading candidate to become the new head coach of the United States national team.

It is understood that USSF officials have been alerted that the former Everton, Manchester United and West Ham boss would be interested in becoming the permanent replacement for Bruce Arena.

Former Chicago Fire coach David Sarachan was put in interim charge after Arena was fired last October for failing to qualify for the Russia World Cup.

Sarachan, who has been in charge for eight matches already, had his temporary contract extended earlier this month until the end of the year.

This is to allow the USSF, headed by General Manager Earnie Stewart, more time to find the right man to lead the US national team forward.

There are those within the Federation that want to move for Juan Carlos Osorio, who led Mexico to the last 16 at this summer's World Cup.

There is also support for home-grown coaches like Gregg Berhalter, who has done a good job at Columbus Crew, and Peter Vermes of Sporting Kansas City as they know the scene inside out.

However, the news that Moyes would be in the market has given the USSF something to think about.

The former Celtic defender has the type of vast experience, working with top players, and an impeccable coaching and organisation pedigree that they find appealing.

Moyes, 55, increased his stock last season in a short-term deal with West Ham when he led them to safety, finishing in 13th place in the Premier League.

However, he was let go by owners David Sullivan and David Gold who brought in former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini.

It was a renaissance after his virtually impossible job at Manchester United, when he replaced Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, and a spell in Spain with Real Sociedad and then an unsuccessful 2016/17 season at Sunderland who were relegated.

Moyes who had 10 years with Everton after cutting his teeth at Preston, led United to the quarter-finals of the Champions League where they were beaten by Bayern Munich.

However, he was sacked in April 2014 when United failed to qualify for the following season's competition.

Moyes owns a home in Florida and has a good understanding of the USSF set-up so it's felt he could be the high-profile candidate the Americans need to lead them to Qatar 2022.