Ipswich Town have reportedly earmarked Steve McClaren to take over from Mick McCarthy as first-team manager in the summer.
The 59-year-old's contract at Portman Road expires at the end of the season and the Blues are believed to be seeking a new individual at the helm.
According to The Sun, Ipswich owner Marcus Evans has put the former England manager at the top of his wishlist.
The report claims that the Suffolk side are looking for 'an experienced successor' and 'steady pair of hands', while McClaren is thought to be keen on a Championship job.
The former Middlesbrough, Derby County, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United manager is without a job at present having ended a short spell as a coaching consultant with Maccabi Tel Aviv at the end of last year.