Waikato rugby coach Warren Gatland has broken his silence on the rumours he will become the next Welsh coach.

Wales has been looking for a replacement for Gareth Jenkins since he fell on his sword following the nation’s disappointing showing at the World Cup in France.

Gatland told Radio Sport this morning that there were still some areas to be sorted out with the Welsh Rugby Union.

An announcement is expected to be made by Friday but Gatland said: "I can't say that (an announcement will be in next 48 hours) ... something could happen reasonably quickly.

"All I can say is that there are still things to work through for both parties - I don't have a work permit, a UK passport and am still contracted to Waikato."

Gatland returned to New Zealand in 2005 stints coaching Ireland and English club side Wasps before returning with the hope of taking charge of a Super 14 franchise.

"I was hoping to have an opportunity to be in charge of a Super 14 side but that hasn't been available to me since I have been back in New Zealand so you just got to look at all the chances and opportunities in front of you."

The former All Blacks hooker admitted coaching the All Blacks was something he would love to do in the future but did not believe he was a chance to take the reins off Graham Henry.

"They haven't been through that review process and I presume they have a number of people in line ahead of me."

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans has been mentioned as the obvious choice with Gatland a possible assistant. However, Gatland said he had no contact with him.

Even if the forwards coaching opportunity was to come up, "It'll probably be too late by then," Gatland said.

If Gatland does land the Welsh job, he will be the third New Zealand coach in less than a decade after Henry and Steve Hansen.