Werder Bremen have made an official enquiry to the German FA to release Robin Dutt from his contract as director of football so that they can approach him to become their new coach.
Die Werderaner parted company with former coach Thomas Schaaf last week and are targeting Dutt as their preferred replacement for him.
"We're really hoping the DFB will give this the go-ahead," Bremen sporting director Thomas Eichin told Bundsliga.com.
"We had very good talks with Robin Dutt and he is our number one candidate for the post of head coach. He fulfils all the criteria we require to make a fresh start.
"He has insider knowledge of the game at youth level and a record of bringing young players through himself. He has already shown that he can do this job successfully at Bundesliga level."
Dutt has previously coached Beyer Leverkusen and Freiburg.
