Manchester City are sounding out former Arsenal star Brian Marwood about joining the board.
The Times says Marwood, 49, is head of the UK football operation for Nike, the sportswear giant, but City hope to tempt him with an executive role in which he would be reunited with Garry Cook, the club's executive chairman. The two worked together at Nike.
The appointment of Marwood may strengthen Cook's position after doubts had been raised in some quarters about his long-term future at City.