MEXICO CITY, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Argentine Matias Almeyda has emerged as a frontrunner to fill the vacant coaching role at Mexican club Monterrey, according to local media reports.

Rayados have been searching for a new manager since parting ways with Nicolas Sanchez on April 30 following a poor run of results.

Club officials flew to Spain this week to open negotiations with Almeyda, El Universal reported on Friday.

The 52-year-old former Lazio and Inter Milan midfielder has been out of work since parting ways with Sevilla in March.

Almeyda has experience managing in the Liga MX, having led Guadalajara from 2015 to 2018.

Monterrey missed this year's Liga MX Clausura playoffs after finishing 13th in the regular season. ■