China's Olympic coach Ratomir Dujkovic wants to take over the country's senior squad after next year's Beijing Games, according to local media.
Zhu Guanghu, who presided over a dismal Asian Cup campaign, has not yet left the post but the Chinese Football Association (CFA) is reported to have already started searching for a new man to take the team through the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.
"If I can achieve a satisfactory result for everybody at the Olympics, I would like to coach the senior team to the South Africa World Cup," sina.com quoted the Serbian as telling the media in the northeastern city Shenyang.
Having led Ghana to the knockout stages of the 2006 World Cup finals, Dujkovic is amply qualified.
The CFA, however, might not be prepared to wait until next August as their World Cup qualification campaign is likely to get underway in February.
"I think to guide China's top national squad is a dream and glory for a coach, but as the Olympic team coach I will take the Olympic team as first priority," Dujkovic said.
Dujkovic's team is joining Botswana, Japan, and North Korea for a four-nation invitational tournament in Shenyang this week and the 61-year-old said his aim was to win, as it would be next August in Beijing.
"My aim is the Olympic gold medal," he said. "As long as my players work hard I think we can fulfill our goal."
Gubei community becomes center for cross-cultural links
Victim of beating that sparked LA riots dies
Replica of London Games torch to be sold in China
Fake stewed pig ears pose health risks
Rivals to rest on Fourth of July break
Software piracy declined in 2011
Asians top immigrant group to US
Food safety becomes national priority
Muslim Brotherhood's success in Egypt polls masks setback
Hu urges G20 to safeguard fragile recovery
Eight miners rescued from coal mine accident
Hand, foot, mouth disease kills 240
Federer, Djokovic set for first grass match
Curtain goes up in Cannes
Crackdown on antibiotic abuse
Water source in HK, Macao safe
Hu praises 'excellent performance' of crew
Court closes loophole used by illegal drug makers
Two charged in Chinese students' killing
Leaders say violence in Syria must end
Chinese Apple users favor free programs
Tough stance proposed against driving, drugs
Foreigners face visa scrutiny
Japan 'must end outdated policy'
Report tracks China's growth
Foreigners receiving more legal support
Quake in northern Italy kills 6
Millions paid to milk scandal victims
Draft law targets work permits
Wanted: A new home for 400 cats and dogs