Ex-Nottingham Forest chief Aitor Karanka is a candidate for the vacant FC Cincinnati job, according to ESPN.
The Spanish manager, who has been out of work since leaving the City Ground in December, is one of a list of targets tipped to take charge of the MLS outfit this summer.
But the former Real Madrid assistant manager faces competition from Alan Pardew to land the role at the Nippert Stadium.
Pardew, 57, has been looking for a new job since parting company with West Bromwich Albion in 2018 and is said to be a "serious candidate" with a CV that boasts stints with Newcastle Untied, West Ham and Crystal Palace.
United States Under-20s boss Tab Ramos is also a target after upsetting the odds to lead his side to qualification to this summer's World Cup where they defeated pre-tournament favourites France.
Earlier this month, the bookmakers had Aitor Karanka among the frontrunners to replace Nigel Adkins at Hull City.
He has also previously been linked with roles with former club Real Madrid and Swansea City since his Reds departure.
