Former Tottenham and West Ham striker Freddie Kanoute is in talks about taking the Mali job.

The Sun says Kanoute has been lined up to become the new boss of Mali.

The striker scored 23 goals in 39 Eagles appearances between 2004 and 2010 and is currently taking coaching courses – but has never managed before.

Mali FA chiefs have now earmarked Kanoute, 39, as a potential successor to Alain Giresse, who is expected to step down following the team's first-round flop at the African Nations Cup.

They desperately need belief back in the country's national team having failed on the recent international stage, and see the talisman as the perfect man to be in charge.

A source in the west African country said: “Frederic Kanoute is a serious option to succeed Giresse. He will complete his coaching diplomas in a month."