RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Argentine manager Marcelo Bielsa could choose Santos for his next head coaching job, according to Brazilian media reports.

The 67-year-old has held preliminary talks with Santos president Andres Rueda following the sacking of Luiz Lorenzi earlier this month, Globo Esporte said on Thursday.

It added that Santos had also contacted Bielsa's countrymen, Sebastian Beccacece and Mauricio Pellegrino, to discuss the vacant position.

Bielsa, whose distinguished managerial career has included spells in charge of the Argentina and Chile national teams, has been out of work since he was sacked by Leeds United in February.

Santos are currently 11th in Brazil's 20-team Serie A standings with 34 points from 27 matches, 23 points behind leaders Palmeiras.