Vissel Kobe announced Monday they have sacked coach Masahiro Wada, appointing assistant Ryo Adachi as caretaker for their next match at home to Omiya Ardija.
Said to be at the top of Kobe's wish list as new manager is Akira Nishino, who led Gamba Osaka to five trophies, including the 2008 Asian Champions League title, in his decade in charge before leaving the club after last season.
Various reports say the 57-year-old Nishino, who has a J. League record of 239 coaching victories, is keen to sign with Gamba's regional rivals. The two parties are already deep into negotiations, the reports said.
Kobe would be the third team for Nishino to manage, after Gamba and Kashiwa Reysol.
Vissel have never won a title. They finished last season in ninth place, in their best ever result in the top flight.