Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, 48, lined up for shock international job in blow to Chelsea owners

PATRICK Vieira is high on US Soccer's wanted list in the race to replace axed coach Gregg Berhalter.

The Sun understands the French World Cup winner, currently managing Strasbourg, ticks several boxes as the search to find Berhalter's successor begins.

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Vieira has worked in the United States before following his spell in MLS with NYCFC and enjoyed his time living and working in New York.

US football bosses are under huge pressure to make the correct appointment with a World Cup on home soil just two years away.

Berhalter paid the price for failing to get out of the group stages in the Copa America, despite being backed by the federation with a new deal in June 2023 to run through to 2026.

But progress has been slow and although former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has distanced himself from the role, Vieira is always open to new challenges.

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The Sun has been told the plan is to hand the new man a deal with the next two World Cups in mind and that Vieira's connections in Europe could help unearth players with American roots.

The 48-year-old is a superb communicator who speaks excellent English.

His European experience  - both as a player and a coach - is also being favourably looked upon by the US Soccer decision-makers.

There is also a feeling Vieira has the qualities to get the best out some of the roster's most impressive talent - something Berhalter spectacularly failed to do.

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Vieira has been in charge of Strasbourg since July 2023.

The Ligue 1 club are owned by Chelsea's American owner Todd Boehly.

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