Racing Santander's Marcelino Garcia Toral and Almeria's Unai Emery are top of Valencia's shortlist for a new coach, a spokesman has confirmed.Los Che began their search for a new boss after the sacking of Ronald Koeman on Monday night.

Marcelino and Emery have achieved wonders this season with their respective clubs, with both pushing for a spot in Europe next year while Valencia are fighting to escape the drop.

Reports in the press on Wednesday claimed Valencia had made an approach for Marcelino, but Sanchez says as yet no deals have been struck.

"There's nothing signed. There are conversations, but there is no signed deal with anyone, but we're sure about the type of person we're looking for," the club's technical secretary Juan Sanchez told Spanish newspaper AS.

"When Valencia has won titles it has been with coaches who are methodical, understand the psychological aspects of the squad and who work a lot on the tactical side of the game.

"Both Marcelino and Emery are two great coaches and you could say they match the profile we're looking for."

Despite winning the Copa del Rey last week, Koeman's reign at the club will be remembered for their fall from the Champions League places to 15th in the table and the banishing of three senior players from the first-team squad.

Club captain David Albelda, Santiago Canizares and Miguel Angel Angulo were all told they would never play again for the club by the Dutch coach.

They have now been restored to the first team, but Sanchez admits they may still leave the club following the torrid time they have endured.

"I was very surprised about what happened with those three in December, because they are magnificent professionals, I know they've had a rough time," he said.

"In Albelda's case, I was really surprised. Such an important man, one of our own, with everything he went through to get to this level, after everything he has achieved.

"He deserves to leave this club in the most dignified way possible. If now he tries to help the team, as he is doing, we should be eternally grateful to him for it."

Salvador Gonzalez Marco 'Voro' has been appointed to coach the side in the final five games of the season.

Valencia have 39 points, putting them two clear of the relegation zone. They host 14th-placed Osasuna on Sunday.

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