Diaz, 56, is currently unemployed after his 18-month spell in charge of Los Guaranies ended after last month’s group-stage exit at the Copa America Centenario. This has made him available to land the Sky Blues post, which has been open since Dr Abdullah Misfer stepped aside after 2015/16 season.

The club – who finished a disappointing ninth last term – have prioritised appointing a new boss ahead of the start of pre-season training in a fortnight. Argentine paper El Liberal have stated negotiations between the two parties are “advanced”, with a conclusion expected within the next 72 hours.

The chances of the former Internazionale and Monaco striker making the switch has been improved by the fact his agent, Hernan Berman, negotiated Manuel Lanzini’s transfer to Al Jazira in 2014.

Meanwhile, Al Dhafra have confirmed the renewals of their superb foreign foursome.

The Western Knights rallied in the second half of the season after the January arrivals of nine-goal Syria forward Omar Khrbin, ex-Al Wahda midfielder Adel Hermach and Morocco centre-back Issam El Adoua. Alongside Senegal striker Makhete Diop, all four helped their push from the relegation places into an excellent eighth.

“Al Dhafra’s renewal decision came after the board took the advice and opinion of the technical staff, who praised the level of players,” a tweet from the club’s official account said Monday.