Tapia said Sampaoli is the only candidate to replace Edgardo Bauza, who was sacked in April, as the AFA prepares to enter negotiations with LaLiga club Sevilla.

Former Chile and Copa America-winning boss Sampaoli has continually been linked with the vacancy since the AFA axed Bauza less than a year into the role after just three wins in eight matches as the South American giant consequently dropped out of the automatic qualification spots for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

It appears only a matter of time before the AFA gets its man, who is under contract until 2018 having only moved to Seville at the start of the season.

"I can affirm that he is the only candidate, but we are respectful to Sevilla because he is still working there," Tapia said. "Now we are going to negotiate his departure from Seville, he has a rescission clause that we will talk about when we have the meeting.

"However, we are waiting for the contractual times he has with Sevilla because of respect for the sports campaign he did."

Sampaoli arrived as a replacement for Unai Emery at Sevilla, after the latter moved to Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the 2016-2017 campaign.

Sevilla overcame Celta Vigo 2-1 on Friday (AEST) to stay fourth, level on points with Atletico Madrid in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification after 34 rounds.