Éamonn Fitzmaurice is in advanced talks with the Galway County Board to take over the manager's position vacated by Pádraic Joyce in early September.
It is understood the Finuge clubman has engaged positively with Galway chairman Paul Bellew in recent weeks and is the leading candidate to take charge of the Tribesmen's senior footballers.
A three-time All-Ireland winner as a player, Fitzmaurice managed Kerry for six years between 2013 and 2018, leading the Kingdom to Sam Maguire glory in 2014.
He also claimed six straight Munster SFC titles and an Allianz League title during his time in charge.
In recent years he has become known as one of RTÉ Sport's best analysts and co-commentators, also writing a column for the Irish Examiner.
He remained involved with the club scene in his native Kerry, coaching the Clifford brothers' club Fossa in 2022 as they claimed a junior All-Ireland title.
He was one of the most prominent members of the Football Review Committee, which introduced, trialled and refined the new playing rules that many see as having a revitalising effect on the game since their introduction in 2015.
The FRC chairman Jim Gavin was also linked with the Galway role in recent weeks but the record-breaking former Dublin boss is reportedly no longer in the running despite conversations with board representatives.
