The Iran Football Federation (IFF) said on Monday that it made the decision after holding talks and negotiations with several candidates, ISNA reported.
Former Persepolis manager Afshin Qotbi, Esteqlal's Amir Qalenoi, Fajr Sepasi boss Qolam Hossein Peyrovani and Rah Ahan's Mahmoud Yavari were announced to be among the possible candidates for the job.
Saipa manager Mayelikohan has led the national team to the third place in the AFC Asian Cup in 1996, before being sacked after steering the team for two years.
However, Ali Fatollahzadeh -- an IFF board member -- denied the appointment shortly after it was announced. He said that the federation has yet to reach a consensus, adding that Yavari, Mayelikohan and Qalenoi are those with the highest chance.
Should Mayelikohan's appointment be final, he would have an uphill task before him to lead Iran to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals, with only three qualifiers remaining.
Among the remaining qualifiers are two away games against South and North Korea which are placed first with 10 points and second with eight respectively in Group B of the World Cup qualifiers.
Former manager Daei was fired on March 28, after the national team suffered a humiliating 2-1 defeat against Saudi Arabia in its fifth World Cup qualifier at Tehran's Azadi Stadium.
The decision to appoint Mayelikohan as a successor to Daei could be viewed as controversial since the two are known to have a war of words between them.
Former friends, Daei and Mayelikohan, had to settle scores in court after their relations soured due to the latter's harsh criticism of the then-Iran manager.
Saudi Arabia sits third on seven points. Iran is placed fourth with six points, and the UAE is at the bottom of the chart with only one point.