Almeida has recent links to France, where three of the Barnsley hierarchy have previously worked.
Portuguese coach Rui Almeida has emerged as the new second favourite to become Barnsley’s next manager, with bookmaker Sky Bet.
Almeida was all the way down at 16/1 earlier on Thursday, but has seen his odds cut to 9/4 in a matter of hours – moving him between linked pair Cameron Toshack [4/1] and Jack Ross [11/10].
The 48-year-old has been without a job since leaving Bastia upon their relegation to the French second division last summer.
He has also managed Paris-based Red Star FC and Syria’s Under-23s, and had coaching spells at Sporting CP, SC Braga and Egyptian giants, Zamalek.
New Barnsley owners Chien Lee and Paul Conway [both OGC Nice], and chief executive Gauthier Ganaye [RC Lens] have also had spells in French football, although it is unclear whether or not they will have come into contact with Almeida in the past.
Barnsley, whose next game is five days away, saw Paul Heckingbottom lured away by Yorkshire rivals Leeds United last week.
Swansea Under-23s coach Toshack, and St Mirren manager Ross are both said to have held talks about the Oakwell vacancy this week.
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