DAVID Moyes has emerged as a leading candidate to become the new head coach of the United States national team.

It is understood that USSF officials have been alerted that the former Everton, Manchester United and West Ham boss would be interested in becoming the permanent replacement for Bruce Arena.

Former Chicago Fire coach David Sarachan was put in interim charge after Arena was fired last October for failing to qualify for the World Cup in Russia.

Sarachan, who has been in charge for eight matches already, had his temporary contract extended this month until the end of the year to allow the USSF, headed by general manager Earnie Stewart, more time to find the right man to lead the US national team.

There are those within the federation that want to move for Juan Carlos Osorio, who led Mexico to the last 16 at this summer’s World Cup and there is also support for home-grown coaches such as Gregg Berhalter, who has done a good job at Columbus Crew, and Peter Vermes of Sporting Kansas City.

However, the news that Moyes would be in the market has given the USSF something to think about.

The former Celtic defender has the type of vast experience, working with top players, and a coaching and organisation pedigree that they find appealing, and he increased his stock last season in a short-term deal with West Ham when he led them to safety, finishing 13th in the Premier League.

Moyes owns a home in Florida and has a good understanding of the USSF set-up so it is felt he could be the high-profile candidate the Americans need to lead them to Qatar 2022.