Maradona is one of three Latin American coaches keen to replace sacked coach Carlos Queiroz.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) axed Queiroz last week in the wake of his six-month ban for insulting anti-doping agents and are expected name his successor soon.

Maradona, fellow Argentine Jose Pekerman and former Mexico coach Jose Aguirre have all been linked with the position.

"It's true [Maradona is interested]. Diego and I talked about it and it is a project that attracts us. He is willing and has availability, but has not been contacted yet," Alejandro Mancuso, one of Maradona's assistants during his spell as Argentina coach, told the A Bola sports daily.

Pekerman, another former Argentina coach, is also interested in the Portugal job, according to his agent.

"Many national sides wanted to hire him, but he was not interested. The Portuguese team, yes, that interests him," agent Jose Sanchez Parra told Portuguese radio Renascenca.

He added that Aguirre, who resigned as Mexico coach in June, has also shown an interest in the position.

Former sporting coach Paulo Bento is still the favourite to replace Quieroz, but Portugal may look overseas for a coach who is used to dealing with players such as Cristiano Ronaldo.

The first task for the new coach will be to get Portugal's Euro 2012 qualifying campaign back on track.

Portugal have yet to win a match, drawing 4-4 draw at home to Cyprus, followed by a 1-0 defeat in Norway.

Brazil's Luiz Felipe Scolari took Portugal to the final of Euro 2004 and the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup.