Klaus Toppmoller today admitted he hopes to be named the new Fulham boss - while Louis van Gaal's representative revealed the Dutchman is "not in the race".
Former Bayer Leverkusen coach Toppmoller, sacked in February after taking the Germans to the Champions League final 12 months ago, is one of eight men the Cottagers have either already interviewed or are speaking to this week.
The 51-year-old, a chain-smoker and a colourful character in stark contrast to the near-silent Jean Tigana, has agreed a secrecy pact with Fulham ahead of the announcement later this month of their new manager.
But, asked if he hoped to get the job, Toppmoller told the said: "Yes, for sure - but I can't speak any more about it as we made a decision to be secret about it.
"I can't say anything else as we decided to make no comment about it."
Toppmoller is optimistic of landing the post ahead of bookmakers' favourite George Burley, the interim Derby boss, and other reported candidates including Reading's Alan Pardew and Nottingham Forest's Paul Hart.
But van Gaal, interviewed by Fulham a fortnight ago, is out of the running according to his solicitor Cor Hellingman.
He disclosed that talks between Fulham and his client, the ex-Ajax, Holland and Barcelona boss, have ended.
"As I see it, Louis is not in the race any more," Hellingman said.
"Discussions have finished and we're not negotiating anything with Fulham or discussing his position with them.
"There's nothing more to say about it, although, in the world of football, you never know what will happen tomorrow."
Asked if reports van Gaal had been ruled out by Fulham because he was too expensive were correct, Hellingman responded: "It wouldn't surprise me if that is the reason after Fulham announced record losses at the end of last month."
Meanwhile, it was confirmed today that Junichi Inamoto will still be a Fulham player next season - but on a second season-long loan deal rather than the three-year contract extension he was due to sign. .