Former Socceroos boss Holger Osieck could be back in Australia for next year's Asian Cup after being touted as favourite to become China's next coach.

Chinese websites have linked the 65-year-old to the position three months after he was sacked as Socceroos manager.

Likely candidate: Former Australian coach Holger Osieck could be headed to China. Credit:Getty Images

The German is determined to coach at international level and was reportedly furious at being dumped by Football Federation Australia after guiding the side through the qualification phase for this year's World Cup.

Ranked 92nd in the world, China have an opportunity to salvage their reputation by qualifying for the 2015 Asian Cup with just a single match to play. They need only a draw against Iraq in Doha in their final group match on March 5 to qualify for a tournament in which they have twice previously finished as runners-up. Even if they lose, they would likely qualify as the best third-placed team due to a strong goal difference.