Sydney FC boss Steve Corica could lose his trusted lieutenant next season with assistant coach Ufuk Talay in the running to fill the vacant job at Wellington Phoenix.

The Herald understands Talay has fielded an approach from the Phoenix and is understood to be one of the leading candidates to replace Mark Rudan, who is moving to coach Melbourne-based expansion side Western United in their inaugural season.

It's understood Rudan, a close friend and former teammate of Talay at the Sky Blues, put forward the Sydney assitant's name as his potential successor to the Phoenix hierarchy. The 43-year-old is considered one of the brightest young Australian coaches coming through the ranks and has two decades of playing experience to draw from, having made over 300 appearances for clubs in Australia, Turkey, France and Japan.

Talay is contracted to the Sky Blues beyond this season but the club would not stand in his way if he was to be offered the head coaching position. Talks are understood to be at a very early stage and the Phoenix are yet to even officially contact Sydney FC about their interest in him.