Crawley Town explored the possibility of recruiting Chelsea Women's boss Emma Hayes as their new manager.
One source has told Sky Sports News Hayes was the No 1 choice and the club had made moves to approach her about the role.
Hayes was recently named FA WSL Manager of the Season after clinching a third league title in a row. She also led Chelsea to victory in the Vitality Women's FA Cup.
However, Crawley are now pursuing another target and are interested in Arsenal U23 coach Kevin Betsy.
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The League Two club parted company with former manager John Yems earlier this month after concluding its investigation into the 62-year-old following several allegations of racism.
That came after a former Crawley player alleged to Sky the club's changing room was segregated on racial grounds, with players from ethnic minorities made to change away from their white team-mates.
Sky Sports News had reported seven Crawley players came forward with allegations that Yems used discriminatory language and behaviour against his own players.
Hayes: Losing fuels me
There has often been speculation about Hayes' future, which was once again a topic for discussion after Chelsea's FA Cup final win earlier this month, as was how she continues to improve an already trophy-laden side.
Speaking after beating Manchester City at Wembley, she said: "Everyone knows I've got a contract at Chelsea, so what's the speculation about? Maybe there's a job that you guys are telling me I'm going for that I don't know about. But as far as I'm concerned, I don't have to kill any speculation. I'm under contract at Chelsea and there's nothing to talk about.
"I can't bear losing - I can't bear the thought of it. I don't want to think about it, losing fuels me. The minute I feel any of them coming close, I just want to get better."