Wayne Rooney is in line for a return to management with Plymouth Argyle, talkSPORT understands.
The Manchester United and England legend was relieved of his duties as Birmingham manager in January, but he now looks set for a shock comeback in the second tier.
It’s reported Rooney has held talks with the club, who narrowly avoided relegation back to League One this season.
He is now in serious contention to take over as manager.
Ex-Everton academy boss turned Plymouth director of football Neil Dewnsip is understood to be the driver behind the interest in Rooney.
The Pilgrims have been without a permanent manager since Ian Foster’s departure in April.
Foster left his position as Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq assistant to join the club in January, but managed just one win in 12 games before he was dismissed.
Plymouth lost long-term boss Steven Schumacher to Stoke – who led them to win League One in the 2022/23 season – in December.
That means Rooney could be the club’s fourth manager and third permanent boss in under a year.
Ironically, Plymouth helped to inflict relegation on Rooney’s most recent employers Birmingham this season.
Plymouth, Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday all condemned Birmingham to their fate with wins on the final day.
The Blues had been in the play-offs under now-Blackburn boss John Eustace when Rooney took over in October last year.
But one point from his first five games saw his team fall to 18th in the table.
By the time he left, Birmingham were 20th in the league. He won just twice during his time in charge.
If he is appointed by Plymouth, this will be Rooney’s fourth managerial job following his spells with Derby, DC United and Birmingham.