India is likely to appoint an interim coach before making a long-term appointment. They will tour England later this summer and the ECB will want to clear up Flower's future before then, The Telegraph reports.

Flower is due to meet Hugh Morris, the managing director of the England team, at the end of the month to discuss his long-term future and the direction of the England set-up.

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It is thought that Flower is on a rolling staff contract, which offers the same protection rights as any other full-time employee.

The ECB will not want to take any chances after being heavily criticised for not doing enough to retain Troy Cooley, the bowling coach, before he opted to take up an identical position with the Australian team.

Duncan Fletcher is also on the BCCI's list following a recommendation by Kirsten, but Flower is the No 1 choice.