Argentinean newspaper La Nación hinted that AFA's chief Armando Pérez has three options to take over as Gerardo Martino's replacement.

The 2016 Copa América left Argentina without their biggest star and their coach. But who are the top candidates to become La Albiceleste's new boss?

Tottenham's Mauricio Pocchetino, Atletico's Diego Simeone and Sevilla's Jorge Sampaoli are the three candidates in the Argentinean Football Association's agenda. A report by South American newspaper La Nación states that chief AFA exec Armando Pérez will travel to Spain and meet with all three candidates to take the job, but there are some issues that could force AFA to look into other options.

Pocchetino led Spurs to a top-three finish last season.

Pocchetino's contract with Tottenham ends in 2022. The Argentinean coach recently signed a contract extension with Spurs, and there isn't a big amount of money for the Argentinean Federation to spend. Jorge Sampaoli's situation is similar, as he was just unveiled as Sevilla's new tactician, and club execs have gone on the record stating that they would take legal action against the former Chile boss if he jumps ship.

Sampaoli led Chile to their first-ever Copa América title last year, when La Roja defeated Argentina after penalties.

As incredible as it may seem, Simeone seems to be the best option for La Albiceleste. Reports in Spain suggest that "El Cholo" included a clause in his new contract that would allow him to leave Los Colchoneros if the Argentinean National Team came knocking on his door, even if he has to pay the team a huge settlement. Pérez's main goal in this trip will be trying to convince Simeone to take over as La Albiceleste's new tactician, but the decision will be announced until August.

Fans and experts want Simeone to take over as Argentina's boss. Will he make their wish come true?

Argentina's next coach will have two main duties when he takes over. The first will be leading the team to a top five finish in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, which will resume in September. The next order of business will involve trying to convince Lionel Messi to return to the team. Will any of these candidates make it happen? We'll have to wait and see.