Mane led Alaves to promotion in his first season in 1997-98. He then guided the team to the 2001 UEFA Cup final _ a 5-4 defeat in extra time to Liverpool _ before being fired two years later.

In his most recent position, the 56-year-old Mane won promotion for Levante last season.

Mane would be Bilbao's fourth coach since the start of last season _ following Jose Luis Mendilibar, Javier Clemente and Sarriugarte, who were all fired.

His appointment would continue the Basque club's practice of using coaches from the region. The eight-time league champion draws its players from the three northern Basque provinces, the neighbouring region of Navarre or those who have progressed through the club's youth ranks.

Sarriugarte left Monday after 4{ months in charge. Bilbao has won just one of its opening 12 games and is 18th in the 20-team first division with eight points.

Sarriugarte was the third Spanish league coach to lose his job this season. Gimnastic Tarragona fired Luis Cesar Sampedro the previous day, while Real Sociedad dismissed Jose Mari Bakero in October.

Bilbao, founded 108 years ago, is one of only three teams which have never been relegated. The others are Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.