Former England star Paul Mariner is being heavily linked with the vacant Toronto FC coaching job.

The 57-year old played more than 30 times for the Three Lions in between 1977 and 1985 but more recently has been involved in the sport in the USA.

He was the assistant coach at New England Revolution from 2004 until 2009 before taking the job at English Championship club Plymouth Argyle for a stint until Peter Reid took the job. He is now the head coach of the Pilgrims.

Fox Soccer suggests that the ex-Arsenal and Ipswich striker has emerged as a ;leading candidate for the Toronto position which was filled by Nick Dasovic following the sacking of Preki Radosavljevic in September.