OAKLAND — The Earthquakes’ search for a general manager appears to be nearing completion.

Team president Dave Kaval said Tuesday there are five candidates and he hopes to cut the field to two this week.

“Then we can start negotiations and hopefully make a hire before the end of the year,” Kaval said.

Two candidates have been identified: Lee Congerton, the former Sunderland sporting director, and Chris Leitch, the former Earthquakes player who has been serving as interim G.M. since the dismissal of John Doyle in August.

Kaval declined to name the other three, saying they are currently in jobs. One is an American with experience in Major League Soccer. Another is a Mexican national whom Kaval finds intriguing.

“We could get two or three great Mexican players to not only improve the team but help build our local fan base in that community,” he said.

The fifth candidate is from South America.