Carlos Bianchi in the Frame For Valencia Job

Valencia sacked their manager Quique Flores last weekend after a poor run of form, culminating in a 3-0 defeat to Sevilla on Sunday.

Their search for a new manager now begins and amongst those mentioned was former Boca Juniors coach Carlos Bianchi.

Bianchi endured a tough time in Spain with Atletico Madrid in 2005, but is still highly regarded throughout the game, having won four Copa Libertadores and three Intercontinental Cup titles during his time in charge of Boca and Velez Sarsfield.

He was recently linked with the soon to be vacant managerial position at Velez, but is thought to have turned down their approach. If Valencia come knocking, you cannot help but feel Bianchi would relish another opportunity to prove himself outside of Argentina.

Ricardo Lavolpe steps down as Velez Sarsfield manager

He won't leave immediatly, but Velez Sarsfield and Ricardo Lavolpe have reached an agreement for him to step down as manager, as soon as they can find a replacement.

Lavolpe offered his immediate resignation following Velez's 2 -1 defeat to Lanus in midweek, and after discussions with the club's board, the current resolution was decided upon.

This parting of ways represents a second disappointing spell in charge of a Argentine team for Lavolpe, as he only lasted until the end of the Apertura last season with Boca Juniors before he resigned. The former Mexico national coach will be allowed to liaise with interested clubs, even before Velez find a successor, and will be hoping that his impressive showing with Mexico in the 2006 World Cup will be enough to secure him another job.

Velez have moved quickly in their attempts to find a new coach, with reports in the Argentine press saying that the role was offered to former Boca Juniors coach Carlos Bianchi, although he has apparently rejected their initial approach. Estudiantes manager Diego Simone, and former national team assistant Claudius Vivas are thought to be the other names on their shortlist.

They currently lie in 12th place in the Apertura 2007, and with the opening tournament pretty much a write-off, they will now be hoping to get a new manager in place, to prepare properly for a tilt at the Clausura 2008.