Joey Barton has been earmarked to become manager of Fleetwood Town in the summer, according to a report.
The former Burnley midfielder is currently banned from all football activity for betting on matches while he was a professional player, but the ban expires on June 1.
League One outfit Fleetwood, meanwhile, appointed John Sheridan as manager in February on a deal until the end of the season.
According to The Sun, the Cod Army are in pole position to appoint Barton as their new manager once his ban is fully served and Sheridan's contract runs out.
The report goes on to claim that a number of lower-league clubs have shown interest in giving the ex-Manchester City midfielder - believed to be keen on going into coaching - his maiden managerial gig.
Barton has played for a number of clubs during his career including Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and Marseille.
