Italian coach Marco Rossi has Budapest Honved perfectly poised for a title assault in Hungary.

With the league in winter recess, Rossi's team is defying all predictions as they share the leadership with Videoton and Vasas all locked on 34 points after 19 games.

Local giants and defending champions Ferencvaros make up the top four on 30 points.

Rossi, who is in his second spell in charge at Budapest, has his team punching well above their weight as he chases a career best season.

The former Sampdoria and Eintracht Frankfurt defender, who played with the likes of Roberto Mancini and Ruud Gullit at Samp, cut his teeth in Italy's lower leagues befoe making the move to Hungary and Budapest Honved.

Rossi now has his team well placed for a title and Champions League qualification - though has ambitions beyond Hungarian football.

"Marco has an ambition of working in England," a source told Tribalfootball.com.

"His achievements this season can't be underplayed. His team has really shocked everyone in Hungary. And we're all hoping his success here will convince chairmen in England to consider Marco."

The Hungarian season resumes on February 19, with Budapest Honved at MTK.