Embattled Omiya Ardija are reportedly chasing Australia captain Lucas Neill and are set to install former Japan national team assistant Tsutomu Ogura as their new manager.

Just a day after the J. League club sacked coach Zdenko Verdenik on the heels of its fifth straight defeat Saturday, Nikkan Sports quoted an Omiya official as saying the Saitama minnows are after the 35-year-old Neill, who is currently without a club.

"Neill is free so we don't have to worry about the J. League transfer deadline on the 16th," the official said of the two-time World Cup defender, who helped the Socceroos qualify for Brazil next year.

"But we'd like to get the deal done as soon as possible."