Valencia has stepped up talks with Javier Aguirre for their vacant coaching job, with a formal offer expected soon. The La Liga side sacked Carlos Corberán last Sunday and appointed Braulio Vázquez as sporting director to lead the search. Aguirre, the former Mexico boss, is currently the frontrunner.

Ernesto Valverde was also considered but declined. Valencia sit in the relegation zone after just four points from six games. Aguirre, 67, led Mexico to the World Cup Round of 16 before being eliminated by England.

He managed Mexico across three spells, including the 2002 World Cup, with Rafael Márquez taking over after his latest tenure. He has fielded approaches from other teams, but returning to La Liga is his preferred option. 'El Vasco' has an extensive Spanish league career, managing Atlético Madrid, Osasuna, Espanyol, Zaragoza, Leganés, and Mallorca. His potential appointment is welcomed by the squad, who see him as experienced in relegation battles.