The Chicago Tribune reported that a nine-person search committee, chaired by USOC Board member Bob Bowlsby, eliminated former San Diego Padres chief executive Sandy Alderson, USOC chief operating officer Norm Bellingham, Jet Set Sports President Mark Lewis and TD Ameritrade chairman Joe Moglia during interviews held in San Francisco before Christmas.

The newspaper also claimed that the nine-person USOC board will pick Stephanie Streeter's replacement early next month and announce its decision the week beginning January 11.

Streeter, who took over as acting chief executive following the controversial decision to force out Jim Scherr earlier this year, is due to leave in March after she decided not to apply for the role on a permanent basis in the wake of criticism after Chicago's failure to win its bid to host the 2016 Olympics.

USOC spokesman Patrick Sandusky said: "We’re looking at having somebody in place in January."

Wielgus said, “It would be wrong for me to make any comment."

Blackmun did not return a message the Chicago Tribune left with his secretary at Holme Roberts & Owen, an international law firm where he is a partner specialising in sport and entertainment.

He was formerly the USOC's general consul and acted as its temporary chief executive in 2000-2001.

The successful candidate will be the tenth chief executive the USOC has had since 1988.

Scherr, who led the USOC for six years, claimed both Blackmun and Wielgus were "well-respected in the Olympic family, very knowledgeable about the Olympic movement."

Both candidates are already based in Colorado Springs, where the USOC has its headquarters.

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