LAFC boss Steve Cherundolo expected to be 'finalist' for USMNT job following Gregg Berhalter's departure in wake of disastrous Copa America campaign

That position has become vacant following the decision to part with Gregg Berhalter. His second spell in charge of the United States has been brought to a close following a disastrous 2024 Copa America campaign that delivered a humbling group stage exit on home soil.

The search is on for a suitable successor, with various names being thrown into the mix. Many fans had been hoping that former Liverpool boss Klopp could be talked out of his brief coaching sabbatical, but the German has reportedly knocked back a tentative approach.

Former USMNT star Cherundolo is now considered to be a leading contender, given his MLS record in Los Angeles, and Taylor Twellman has suggested that talks may have already been held with 45-year-old – who earned 87 caps for his country as a player and spent his entire club career in Germany with Hannover.

TUDN have confirmed that the former defender is in the frame, with Michele Giannone stating: “He has indeed had those conversations and, as of now, if he’s not the leading candidate, he will definitely be a finalist for the job, I believe.”

U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker has said that he wants a new manager in place by September, ahead of friendly dates with Canada and New Zealand, with the potential there for a deal to be agreed long before that deadline.