Craig Levein has refused to rule himself out of the running for the Dundee United job, but says he would have to study the club structure very carefully.
The vacancy at Tannadice came out of the blue after Robbie Neilson agreed a shock switch to Hearts on Sunday, returning to the club he served as a player and manager for nearly 15 years previously.
That's left United hunting for a replacement just five weeks before the Premiership campaign is due to kick-off.
Levein enjoyed a successful spell in the City of Discovery during 2006 and 2009, when he laid the foundations for their Scottish Cup win 2010.
And the former Scotland boss admitted a conversation about going back would interest him.
“I had three years at Dundee United and as much as I loved my time at Hearts, that three years was quite special for me,” he said.
“We managed to build a really strong team and would never say never to the Dundee United job.
“But I don’t know the structure at Dundee United so it's something I would need to look at in great detail if I get offered a chance of the job.
“I’d be open to having a conversation but that doesn’t tie you to anything. Having a conversation is something that I think would be interesting.”
Former United defender Steven Pressley did rule himself out of the running however, saying he’d have concerns regarding the club.
“I wouldn’t be interested in the Dundee United job, purely because I’m not convinced there’s the stability there at this moment in time and there’s a few concerns I have,” he explained.
“I’m not in a position to bash things away, but I’ve been in football now as a manager for quite a long time and I’ve got to make sure that when I do go in, it’s the right club.
“I’m not saying I’d only go back in as a manager but if it is as a manager, then I want it to be the right fit for me.
“The Dundee United job might not concern people because certain managers work in certain ways.
“It’s like with a director of football, there are all different forms of being one. Some oversee certain sections, some oversee the whole programme and have more influence in certain areas.
“But if they are of a certain type, then the manager that comes in and works under them has to be a certain type.
“That fit is very important and I’m not convinced at Dundee United that fit is right for me. That’s all.
“It doesn’t mean that it’s not right for another manager. Far from that. They’ll be queueing up for that job because on the face of it, it’s a terrific job.
“They’re a great club with a great fanbase, back in the Premier League but I just don’t think it's the right one for me.”
