The Egyptian Premier League runners-up have been without a boss since the departure of Brazilian tactician Ricardo Ferreira last month.

Mark Wotte was recently close to filling the Ismaili hot seat, but the Dutch coach backed out on the deal and preferred to retain his position at Southampton.

Aboul-Hassan said two foreign managers are now nominated for the job, but Serbian coach Vuckovic is the frontrunner.

"Former Hilal and Ahli Jeddah boss Vuckovic will most probably take charge of Ismaili," the costal club's chairman told FilGoal.com.

"There is another candidate for the job, but Vuckovic is the preferable option."

On the possibility of hiring an Egyptian coach, Aboul-Hassan said: "An expatriate is preferred, because so many people from inside and outside Ismaili would object to an Egyptian coach appointment."