Former Ghana boss Milovan Rajevac has "already been chosen" as Thailand head coach following the surprise resignation of Kiatisuk Senamuang last month, according to Thai-language media reports.
Rajevac almost took Ghana to the last four of the 2010 World Cup, and this achievement has apparently seen him impress the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) enough to hand him the task of taking over from Kiatisuk.
The 63-year-old Serbian's wage demands have also reportedly been one of the factors in putting him ahead of the competition.
According to the Bangkok Post, "the country's biggest-selling daily Thai Rath, citing an unnamed source, said FAT president Somyot Poompunmaung had already chosen Rajevac".
This would be despite the fact that former China manager Alain Perrin is due to be interviewed on Monday.
The report also highlighted Rajevac's modest wage demands as a key factor. Again, quoting Thai Rath, the Bangkok Post stated, "Apart from his ability, Rajevac's asking salary is not too high".
Rajevac has been out of the game for a long period, and this will be the main area of concern for War Elephants' fans. Ghana's march to the 2010 quarterfinals took place more than six years ago.
Following his successful spell with the Black Stars, Rajevac had a couple of short stints in West Asia with Al-Ahli and the Qatar national team. He then took five years out of the game before an ill-fated return with Algeria lasted just two games.
Thai Rath also reported that Kiatisuk's replacement would be offered just a one-year contract, which suggests that the FAT view this as a stop-gap measure to cover the remaining 2018 AFC World Cup qualifiers. Thailand's disappointing campaign has seen them earn just one point from seven matches and the new head coach will be tasked with finishing on a high.
If reports are accurate, Rajevac will need to make a positive impression in games against the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Australia if he wishes to stay in the post for more than a year.
ESPN FC understands that Muang Thong United boss Totchtawan Sripan was the FAT's first choice to replace Kiatisuk. However, in the middle of the Kirins' impressive AFC Champions League campaign, and defence of the Thai League title, the timing is not right for the 45-year-old.
After a recruitment process that has seen some of the biggest names in world football, including Zico, Dunga and Frank Rijkaard, linked with the job, the appointment of Rajevac would certainly be lacking in glamour. However, FAT president Somyot has said that the new boss should have experience of leading a country into the World Cup and the Serbian ticks this box.
Thailand have already qualified for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the U.A.E. so with the War Elephants out of contention for next year's World Cup, attention will soon turn to this tournament as Thailand's opportunity to make their mark outside of Southeast Asia.