Barnsley boss Michael Duff is now a contender to succeed Russell Martin at Swansea City.
Despite an ongoing dispute over compensation, Martin is still set to join newly-relegated Southampton, and the Swans have already started the process of sounding out replacements over the last couple of weeks.
Former assistant Chris Davies looked to be the club's preferred choice, although it's understood he is now set to join Ange Postecoglou's new-look coaching team at Tottenham Hotspur, where he will work alongside Ryan Mason, who was also touted as a possibility early on in the search. For the latest Swansea news sent straight to your inbox, sign up here.
READ MORE: Swansea City transfer news as Plymouth Argyle issue Schumacher statement
In another apparent blow to their efforts, reports have suggested that Steven Schumacher has also turned down the chance to take over. WalesOnline understands the Plymouth boss is among the contenders being looked at, although there's not yet any indication that the Swans have firmed up their interest with an approach at this stage.
The club have also spoken to American coach Gregg Berhalter, but he has now re-joined the US national team.
Reds boss Duff is now firmly in the mix, having previously been linked with a move to Huddersfield Town before the Terriers opted to keep veteran boss Neil Warnock.
The 45-year-old has two years left on his current deal in south Yorkshire, and last season oversaw a club record of 32 wins in all competitions, with the Reds eventually going down in the play-off final to Sheffield Wednesday.
News of Swansea's interest comes just 24 hours after Barnsley chief executive Khaled El-Ahmad insisted there had not yet been any approaches for the Northern Irishman.
El-Ahmad told the Barnsley Chronicle: “The last conversation I had before he went on vacation, he was ambitious as ever.
“We all hurt from not getting promoted but he’s happy here. We have spoken this week about the squad and pre-season.
“It’s all good so far. He’s under contract so, for now, he is the coach. There is nothing else to report. No one has called me about him.”
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