Le Guen free for Socceroos

The Frenchman finished the tournament with three defeats from as many games after losing the dead rubber against the Netherlands 2-1.

Le Guen took over the Cameroon job last northern summer and in December 2009 signed a contract extension running until the end of the World Cup after impressive results in qualifying.

With that deal running out after the Indomitable Lions' group stage elimination,  speculation is rife Le Guen will link up with the vacant Australia job, especially after comments from Football Federation Australia chairman Frank Lowy that a coach at the 2010 World Cup was being sounded out for the gig.

“Let me say this. Is the coach coming from the 31 countries that are here [in South Africa]? Yes,” Lowy told Fairfax media.

The World Game understands Le Guen has since been approached by Football Federation Australia, but the French coach, who guided Lyon to three consecutive Ligue 1 titles from 2002-2005 refused to speak of reports linking him to the job.