Marcelo Bielsa the front runner to replace Garry Monk at Swansea

Marcelo Bielsa left Marseille just one game into the new season in France

Marcelo Bielsa has emerged as the front runner to succeed Garry Monk as Swansea manager, according to Sky sources.

Club chairman Huw Jenkins has returned to the UK following a visit to South America where he stepped up his search for a replacement for Monk, who left his post at the Liberty Stadium last week.

Bielsa is out of work after leaving Marseille just one game into the new season in August, citing "instability at the club" as the reason for his departure.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins is looking for a new manager

The 60-year-old, nicknamed El Loco, guided Chile to the World Cup in 2010 and masterminded a Europa League win over Manchester United in 2012 as manager of Athletic Bilbao.

Another target for Jenkins may be current Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli who has been named on the final three-man shortlist for the 2015 FIFA World Coach of the Year award alongside Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.

Jorge Sampaoli is currently the coach of Chile

And it is understood former Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella is also a potential candidate to replace Monk.

The 61-year-old managed Argentina between 2011 and 2014, leading them to the World Cup final in 2014 where they lost to Germany in the final after extra time.

Sabella, who played for Sheffield United and Leeds United in the late 70s and early 80s, guided Estudiantes to the Copa Libertadores in 2009.

Alejandro Sabella with Argentina players at the end of 2014 World Cup final

Jenkins said the decision to sack Monk was made "very reluctantly and with a heavy heart" after the side took one win from 12 matches in all competitions.

David Moyes and Dennis Bergkamp have already ruled themselves out of the running to take over at Swansea.

Caretaker boss Alan Curtis, who was in charge of last week's defeat by Manchester City at the Etihad, is expected to remain in the position for Sunday's home game against West Ham United.