Fourfourtwo - Former Iran coach Afshin Ghotbi has emerged as the leading contender to take over at Thai Premier League (TPL) outfit Suphanburi FC, FourFourTwo can reveal.

With the club still without a permanent manager since the departure of Sergio Farias in August, caretaker Worrawoot Srimaka led the side to a third-placed finish in the TPL.

But it’s understood the club’s management is on the hunt for a big-name foreign coach and Ghotbi certainly fits the bill.

The 51-year-old, who has also had stints as an assistant coach with the US and South Korean national teams, is currently in Thailand discussing personal terms with an announcement believed to be imminent.

FourFourTwo understands Ghotbi was in the stands as Suphanburi drew 2-2 with Osotspa on Sunday, a result that confirmed them a playoff spot for next year’s Asian Champions League (ACL).

Ghotbi led Iranian giants Persepolis to the second round of the ACL in 2009 and has the experience at various levels of Asian football to help the War Elephant navigate the two playoff matches needed to reach the group stages.

The first of those clashes is against Yangon United, with the winner facing a showdown with a yet-to-be-determined J-League side.

With Ghotbi also having spent three seasons with former Japanese powerhouse Shimizu S-Pulse from 2011-2014, he appears the perfect fit for a club aiming to compete on both the domestic and continental fronts.

An announcement on the club’s new coach is expected in the coming days.