RIO DE JANEIRO, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Spanish manager Quique Setien is among the frontrunners to take charge of Brazilian Serie A club Botafogo, according to media reports in the South American country.

The 65-year-old has held preliminary talks with Botafogo's management and is highly rated by the club's American owner John Textor, Globo Esporte reported on Sunday.

Two-time Brazilian top-flight champions Botafogo have been searching for a new manager since parting ways with Tiago Nunes last month.

Fabio Matias has since filled the role on an interim basis, leading the club to six wins and a draw in seven outings.

Setien has been out of work since leaving Villarreal last September.

A former Spain international midfielder, Setien's 23-year managerial career has also included spells in charge of Barcelona, Racing Santander and Real Betis.