Adelaide United reportedly targeting Batistuta as coach

A-League champions Adelaide United are reportedly targeting Argentina icon Gabriel Batistuta to take over as coach next season.

Gabriel Batistuta celebrates a goal for Argentina in 2000 Source: Getty Images

The Reds are in talks with Fiorentina legend Batistuta, with current boss Guillermo Amor off-contract at season's end, reports said. 

While Batistuta doesn't possess a huge amount of coaching experience, the Serie A winner is said to be interested in joining the club as coach.

“The ongoing speculation regarding Adelaide United’s head coaching role continues... I can reveal both Adelaide officials and Batistuta have spoken and they are keen," Foxsports' Michael Zappone said.

"They will meet in the next couple of weeks to discuss a job at Adelaide United.

“He doesn’t have a huge resume when it comes to coaching – he has done some coaching in Argentina at a local level – but I’m told they will get around this by bringing in a very senior assistant coach and an Australian assistant coach as well.

"If they can confirm terms, Gabriel Batistuta will be heading down under to coach Adelaide United.”

Batistuta, 48, was named in Brazil legend Pele's 'FIFA 100', as the top 100 greatest living footballers, and is the second highest goalscorer for Argentina, having been recently overtaken by Lionel Messi.