The Russian figures high on the team's current wish list, along with Esteban Ocon and Jolyon Palmer.

Given the extent of the rule changes for next season, Force India does not want to take a complete rookie, and the team is seeking a driver who can keep Sergio Perez on his toes and who has a personality that will fit in.

Kvyat is seen as fitting the bill, and would arrive at Force India fully motivated to rebuild his career after being dropped by Red Bull.

He would have to be be released by Red Bull, and it is understood that the energy company has yet to make a decision on his future.

Ocon and Palmer are also highly regarded by Force India's management, with both drivers seen as having outperformed their respective 2016 teammates recently.

Both men have also previously tested for the team – Ocon in Spain and Austria in 2015, and Palmer in Abu Dhabi at the end of 2014 – and both created a good impression.

In contrast, Ocon's Manor teammate Pascal Wehrlein, who also tested for Force India, is not on the team's shopping list.

Ocon has the advantage of potentially coming with a Mercedes deal in the form of a discount on engine/gearbox, while Palmer also has a modest amount of funding.

However, finance is not believed to be the defining factor in the team's decision.