Louis van Gaal has emerged as a genuine contender to manage Australia at the 2018 World Cup

FORMER Manchester United, Barcelona and Ajax manager Louis van Gaal has emerged as a genuine contender for the vacant Socceroos coaching post ahead of the World Cup.

Louis van Gaal during his time as manager of Manchester United.

WORLD coaching giant Louis van Gaal has emerged as a genuine contender for the vacant Socceroos coaching post.

The Dutchman, who has won Champions League crown with Ajax, has not coached since he was sacked as Manchester United coach in 2016 after winning the FA Cup.

The Sunday Herald-Sun understands that FFA has made contact with van Gaal, who has expressed his interest in the job.

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Another globally recognised coaching star Marcelo Bielsa is also believed to be interested to lead Australia at Russia 2018 after becoming available last month.

Football Federation Australia refused to comment when contacted, indicating that they were working through the process and did not want to offer a running commentary.

Former Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann, former Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk and former Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari have also been linked with the job.

Louis van Gaal and Ange Postecoglou coaching against each other at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The FFA advisory panel, which includes Socceroos legends Mark Bresciano, Mark Schwarzer and Stan Lazaridis, and the consultancy firm SRi Executive have held formal talks in the last week to discuss candidates.

Socceroos assistant Ante Milicic has also been interviewed, but it’s understood that he has been ruled out as a contender.

Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold is still favoured among the local candidates.

Van Gaal, 66, and Bielsa, 62, are in the twilight of their illustrious coaching careers but view the Socceroos as an enticing project.

He won the Champions League with a youthful Ajax side in 1995 and enjoyed great success at Barcelona (two titles), AZ Alkmaar (one) and Bayern Munich (one).

Van Gaal’s Holland finished third at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, beating Brazil 3-0 in the playoff after losing the semi-final to Argentina on penalties.

Marcelo Bielsa during his time with Athletic Club Bilbao.

He orchestrated a flawless group phase, headlined by the 5-1 romp of Spain and a late comeback to secure a 3-2 win against the Socceroos.

Bielsa held talks with FFA years ago before Holger Osieck was appointed.

The Argentine officially left French club Lille a fortnight ago.

Pep Guardiola regards Bielsa, who has had great success coaching Chile, Argentina and Athletic Bilbao, as a huge mentor.

Both van Gaal and Bielsa are strong personalities who have a very clear vision of how they want the game to be played and love throwing youngsters in.

They are exponents of a dynamic, attacking, possession-based brand of soccer consistent with the philosophy Ange Postecoglou has instilled over the last four years.