Spanish giants Barcelona claim they have held talks with Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri.
The Catalan club are searching for a replacement for current manager Carles Rexach, with hopes of winning the domestic league title fading and their Champions League prospects hit by a 1-0 defeat in their quarter-final first leg tie with Panathinaikos.
Roma boss Fabio Capello had been the first choice to succeed Rexach at the Nou Camp, but the club could not meet his demands and Ranieri - remembered in Spain for his work in revitalising Valencia and helping them into the Champions League - is on their revised short-list.
Barcelona vice-president Angel Fernandez told the Sunday Times: "We have spoken to Claudio Ranieri, Javier Irureta of Deportivo La Coruna and Carlos Bianchi former Boca Juniors boss.
"There was also some contact with Fabio Capello, but we could not accept some of his demands.
"We will finish this season and then the directors will take over from May and make the signings. Carles Rexach will finish this season.
"But yes, we have talked to Capello and will not be taking him on, and we are talking to Ranieri."
PA