Ian Ryan has emerged as the front runner for the vacant Waterford FC job.
Currently the manager of First Division rivals Wexford, Ryan has been identified as the Blues top target.
And Waterford have asked Wexford for permission to speak to the highly-regarded Dubliner.
Ryan, 34, took charge of Wexford in May last year when the club was bottom of the First Division without any points after losing their first eight matches of the season.
But he has transformed their fortunes and, after a 1-1 draw away to Cork City last Friday, Wexford are just three points off the playoff spots in sixth position.
Waterford chiefs are fans of Ryan’s style of football and want to sound him out about the position.
The Blues are looking for their sixth boss in two years after parting ways with Ian Morris on April 20.
Waterford, who were relegated in the playoff last season, were the First Division leaders after four games.
But they swiftly fell off the pace and dropped to fifth, although they have hit form again under caretaker bosses Gary Hunt and David Breen and are back up to third.
Ryan, who was previously the UCD assistant and also won an Under-19s title with the Students as manager, is due to discuss the RSC vacancy with Blues officials this week.
Ryan retired from playing in 2015 having lined out for UCD, Shelbourne, Drogheda United, Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers.
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