Sources in Holland have confirmed that the 47-year-old former Dutch national assistant coach is interested in taking the Australian job after countryman Pim Verbeek quit following World Cup 2010.

Former AZ Alkmaar coach Koeman has made it known to Football Federation Australia (FFA) through his representatives that he’s keen on the job.

The former Barcelona assistant coach has also been in the top job at Valencia, Ajax, Benfica and PSV.

Koeman was part of former Socceroo coach Guus Hiddink’s coaching team at the 1998 World Cup. That bench also included Johan Neeskens who was also involved with the Aussies at World Cup 2006.

The powerful defender made almost 80 appearances for the Oranje making his name as a goal-scoring defender.

In recent years the FFA have become strong advocates of Dutch coaches and of that country’s system of play. It’s proved successful with Hiddink and Verbeek qualifying Australia for the last two World Cups.

Verbeek was only second choice for the job with the original selection being fellow Dutchman Dick Advocaat.

It’s believed the announcement of the new Socceroo coach is imminent with other names such as Argentine Jose Pekerman, Irishman Martin O’Neill and Frenchman Paul Le Guen also said to be in the mix for the top job.

Holland-born Han Berger will lead the Socceroos for tomorrow’s friendly against Slovenia in Ljubljana. He is the current FFA national technical director.