Japan have reportedly identified Marseille head coach Marcelo Bielsa as a candidate to become their new manager.

Javier Aguirre was sacked by the Japanese Football Association last month following a quarter-final exit at the Asian Cup and after it emerged that the Mexican had been named in an anti-corruption lawsuit in Spain.

Bielsa is believed to be on the list of potential targets, and Goal.com claims that the JFU have made enquiries about the possibility of persuading the Argentine to return to international football.

Marseille are currently in a three-team battle for the Ligue 1 title with Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain, and the club are understood to be pleased with the progress made under the coach.

Bielsa has spent time in the international game with both Argentina and Chile.