Former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has reportedly held discussions over the possibility of taking charge of Zenit St Petersburg.
The Russian club have been without a head coach since Monday when they decided to sack Luciano Spalletti after five years at the helm.
A number of bosses, including Guus Hiddink, have been linked with the vacancy, but Villas-Boas is the Zenit board's preferred choice, according to the London Evening Standard.
Initial talks are thought to have taken place yesterday, with further dialogue expected today.
The 36-year-old has been out of work since he left Spurs by mutual consent in December 2013.
