The New Zealander is understood to be in talks to join the massive US Oracle team for the next Cup campaign.

After turning his back on New Zealand in 2000 to join Team Alinghi, the legendary skipper is tipped to become CEO and skipper for America's Cup syndicate BMW Oracle.

The Herald on Sunday understands that terms have already been discussed with Oracle's owner Larry Ellison, although a contract has yet to be signed. If terms are finalised, an announcement may be made at the end of this America's Cup.

Unattached to a team since his split with Alinghi in 2004, and following the resignation of Oracle skipper Chris Dickson last month, Coutts appears to be an obvious choice for the waning syndicate.

Since the disappointing 5-1 semifinal loss to Luna Rossa, Oracle has been chucking a number of management positions overboard - the latest being business manager Russell Green, who many thought would be up for promotion.

With Dickson and Green out of the picture - a move not uncommon for a team that has fallen out of contention - room may be left for Coutts to go ahead and build his own team.

It is believed by many that Coutts has his five Alinghi wingmen - Brad Butterworth, Simon Daubney, Warwick Fleury, Murray Jones and Dean Phipps - who will follow him wherever he goes.

When asked about his future recently, Alinghi tactician Brad Butterworth said he would not rule out working with Coutts again.

"I would like to work again with Russell," he said. "I do not know what he will be doing next."

But whichever way Coutts does decide to go, Butterworth is convinced he'll lead that team to victory.

"Russell is a very intelligent man, with firm beliefs in his own ability. He has a great mind for what's going to happen next", he said. "Coutts is the best guy in the game. Any team he's on would be a prime candidate to win it. He's got all the skills you need."