The co-owner of Norwegian club IK Start, Erik Soler, has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner to fill the vacant role as sporting director at New York Red Bulls.

The 49-year old former Norway international, who has also been a player agent, has become the leading candidate for the role with others linked including ex-Kansas City Wizards coach Curt Onalfo and MLS senior VP Nelson Rodriguez.

IK Start and MLS have a small link with ex-Red Bulls player Hunter Freeman and former FC Dallas defender Clarence Goodson both currently signed to the club.

Soler also played for Hamburg, the same club as Red Bull director of sport Dietmar Beiersdorfer represented both as a player and director.