The League of Ireland has had some wild rumours recently, but the latest name to supposedly apply for the Shelbourne job may take the cake.

Shels are on the hunt for a new manager after parting ways with Joey O’Brien following their 3-0 loss to Bohemians, who sit fifth in the League of Ireland Premier Division table.

The 2024 Champions still have a decent squad to compete for the European spots, and that is what the board is hoping the new manager will bring for the second half of the season after the summer break. Several names have been linked to the job, but one stands out more than the rest.

Shelbourne are said to be eyeing a manager from outside the UK and Ireland, leading to a former Manchester United star and Brazilian World Cup winner being linked with the gig.

LOI Fan TV recently released a video reporting that former World Cup winner Kleberson has applied for the Shelbourne managerial job.

The former midfielder was part of the Brazil side that won the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, starting in the final against Germany. He would move to Old Trafford a year later, getting unveiled alongside a teenage Cristiano Ronaldo. He would make only 20 league appearances over two seasons before his career petered out in Turkey, Brazil, and the USA.

The 47-year-old turned his hand to coaching since retiring in 2016, working mainly in the USA at the academy of MLS side Philadelphia Union, working as an Assistant Coach for their reserve team before becoming the Assistant Coach at New York City FC in the MLS.

He’s since returned to his native Brazil, taking his first managerial role at North Esporte Club last year, winning promotion to the second tier with the side.

If this move goes ahead, it will certainly be the wildest managerial appointment in the history of the League of Ireland and a real shift in approach for Shelbourne as they look to salvage a European spot.