Serie A side Udinese have confirmed they are in talks with former Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni to become their new manager.
The Italian tactician has been out of a job since being dismissed by the Nerazzurri outfit in May 2013, while Udinese have moved quickly in their search for Francesco Guidolin's successor.
Guidolin resigned as coach last month after four years in charge to take up a supervisory role at the Friuli club.
"Andrea Stramaccioni is our main candidate," Udinese sporting director Cristiano Giaretta said to Italian TV station SportItalia. "He is well ahead of the rest (of candidates).
"But we still have to reach an agreement."
Udinese have moved in for the 38-year-old Stramaccioni after failing to lure veteran tactician Luigi Del Neri to the Stadio Friuli.
Del Neri, who played two seasons at Udinese, had reportedly agreed to coach the Bianconeri only for the deal to fall through in the final talks.
Udinese endured a difficult campaign and finished 13th in the standings.
