Aston Villa caretaker boss Steve Clarke is on an initial list of 10 candidates being considered for the Midlands club's managerial vacancy.
Villa do not expect to name a successor to sacked Roberto di Matteo this week.
That would mean former West Bromwich Albion and Reading boss Clarke, who has also been number two at Chelsea, West Ham and Liverpool, having to hold the fort for at least one game.
Villa's next fixture is the home derby against Wolves on 15 October.
Clarke, 53, is being considered for the post, not only because of his experience in management, but because he is 'in situ', so it is felt that he is at least owed scrutiny of his credentials.