The Russian FA has confirmed Pep Guardiola is a candidate to replace Dick Advocaat as coach of the national team.
An ambitious Russian federation released a 13-man list on Tuesday and the former Barcelona manager was included.
Guardiola stepped down from his post at Barcelona at the end of the 2011-12 season after four years in charge and winning 14 trophies, making him the most successful coach in their history.
The former Spain international, who earned 47 caps for national side between 1992 and 2001, cited exhaustion as a major factor in his decision and was replaced by long-time assistant Tito Vilanova.
However, despite his intentions to take a one-year sabbatical from football, the Russian FA have identified him as a candidate for the job in wake of Advocaat’s resignation and return to Eredivise giants PSV Eindhoven.
Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, winner of the 2008 FA Cup with Portsmouth, has also been named on the list.
The 65-year-old, who was heavily linked to the England vacancy before Roy Hodgson’s appointment, is a free agent after leaving White Hart Lane in June.
Other names on the shortlist include ex-England manager Fabio Capello, former Liverpool and Inter Milan head coach Rafa Benitez, Zenit St Petersburg coach Luciano Spalletti, World Cup-winning manager Marcello Lippi, and Argentine Marcelo Bielsa.
Russia failed to reach the knockout stages of Euro 2012, finishing third in Group A behind Czech Republic and Greece.
