Current USA boss Scott Johnson has been targeted by the Ospreys fro their vacant Head Coach position © Getty Images

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Tournaments/Tours: Magners League | Magners League

Teams: Ospreys | Wales

The Ospreys have launched a bid to bring former Wales coach and current USA boss Scott Johnson to the Liberty Stadium.

The Magners League leaders have been without a Head Coach since Lyn Jones' departure last season, with Sean Holley filling the void since then on a temporary basis. Holley has guided the side to the top of the Magners League and the Anglo-Welsh Cup semi-finals so far this season.

Australian Johnson was skills coach for Wales during their 2005 Grand Slam and took charge of the team for three internationals after Mike Ruddock's shock departure during the 2006 Six Nations.

He went on to serve as skills coach for Australia during their 2007 World Cup campaign before taking up the reins with the USA.

"We can confirm we have received a written request for Scott from the Ospreys," USA Rugby's chief executive officer Nigel Melville told BBC Sport. "That is under consideration and will be put to the board at the earliest available opportunity."

His release for the job would be contingent on agreeing satisfactory terms with his current employers, who are about to embark on a series of qualifiers for the 2011 World Cup. The Eagles are preparing for home-and-away Tests against Canada in July and Johnson may end up occupying a similar position to Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards, who also serves as Head Coach with Guinness Premiership side Wasps.

"If we cannot get Scott's full release for our international commitments, there can be no deal," said Melville. "He is the Eagles coach and that's something we cannot compromise on.

"If that can be agreed, maybe it will be good for our coach to be involved at the highest club level in the UK and working with that quality of player."