Zico to Kuruvchi?

According to the Russian media, Zico, who led Japan to the 2004 AFC Asian Cup triumph, would replace Mirdjalol Kasimov at Bunyodkor hot seat after the former Uzbek international was appointed head coach of their struggling national side.

Zico, who also guided Fenerbahce to Turkish Super League and Super Cup titles last year, will also hold talks with the Uzbekistan Football Federation officials.

“Bunyodkor and UFF want Zico to hold dual positions as the club head coach and consultant to Kasimov in the national team,” the reports said.

The 55-year-old, who represented Brazil in the 1978, 1982 and 1986 World Cups, was considered one of history’s greatest deadball specialists and one of the most skilled dribbler and finisher ever.

Bunyodkor, who were held by Iran’s Saipa 2-2 in the first leg of their AFC Champions League quarter-finals, will host the return leg on Wednesday.

Uzbekistan replaced Rauf Inileev with Kasimov after losing their first two games in the final round of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to Qatar (3-0) and Australia (1-0). Uzbekistan will now take on Japan on October 15.