Struggling J-League outfit Kashiwa Reysol have sacked manager Shinichiro Takahashi.
The club decided to get rid of Takahashi due to a poor record in the domestic competition (3 wins, 6 draws, 8 losses) and the fact the club is sitting second bottom on the table.
Kashiwa are now in talks with Brazilian tactician Nelsinho Baptista who has lengthy managerial experience, beginning in 1985 with Sao Bento and most recently with Sport Recife.
He has also been in charge of famous Brazilian club Corinthians and had a stint in Japan with Nagoya Grampus from 2003-2005.
"We are in negotiations but still in the final stages. Until it is decided, (assistant coach Masami) Ihara will act as team manager," said Kashiwa club president Shinjiro Kasai.