NZC has downplayed speculation South Africa coach Mickey Arthur will interviewed to replace John Bracewell.

Arthur's contract runs out in April, as does that of Bracewell, who will leave the BlackCaps after five years to return to Gloucestershire.

Arthur has been linked with a new deal from Cricket South Africa, as well as a number of county cricket jobs.

But New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief Justin Vaughan has refused to confirm a report in the Herald on Sunday that Arthur is one of five candidates to be interviewed next week.

"I would like to re-affirm NZC's position that it is not appropriate to reveal or discuss individuals who may or may not have applied for the coaching position," Vaughan said.

The report also mentions Northern Districts Knights' English coach Andy Moles, former Worcestershire and New Zealand spinner Dipak Patel and New South Wales Blues boss Matthew Mott.

Victoria and Delhi coach Greg Shipperd and Kent's Graham Ford have also been mentioned.