Former Liverpool manager and now at Lyon, Gerard Houllier has been tipped to be named Australia coach following July's Asian Cup, according to reports Down Under, but yet to be authenticated by Football Federation Australia.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) sources said Frenchman Houllier was close to the Socceroos job following Guus Hiddink’s exit after the World Cup last year.

The deal was also reported to be the similar kind to that of Hiddink, who was a part-timer shuttling between PSV Eindhoven and the Socceroos.

Houllier, whose contract with Lyon ends this season, is expected to take up the job on part-time basis as well.

FFA chief executive Ben Buckley however did not give anything on the issue.

"We've had discussions with some candidates but nothing has eventuated and we're quite a while away from narrowing it down to one person."

"We're going through an extensive process and we're developing a list of suitable candidates.

"Ideally we would like someone full-time so they could be totally dedicated to the role."

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