The JFA will make a formal request shortly to the 49-year-old, The Japan Times said.

He has reportedly already shown interest during informal negotiations and the move could possibly be finalised at the JFA's Board meeting next month.

Moriyasu coached Sanfrecce from 2012 until this year and led the team to the J1 League Championship three times.

This included back-to-back titles in his first two years in the job.

He resigned from the role in July after a series of poor results.

As a player, he represented Japan as a defensive midfielder, earning 35 caps and scoring once.

The football tournament at the Olympics is primarily for under-23 players although three players over that age are allowed.

Japan failed to get out of their group at the Rio 2016 men's football tournament last year.

They will be given an automatic spot at Tokyo 2020 as the host nation, with matches taking place across the country.