The deputy editor of the Evening Herald, Nóirín Hegarty, was last night being tipped as the next editor of the Sunday Tribune.
Ms Hegarty refused to comment on the rumours last night. The current editor, Paddy Murray, has been on leave from his position for some time due to health reasons.
Last night he declined to comment on reports except to say: "I'm still working at the Sunday Tribune."
Among those shortlisted for the position are former editor Matt Cooper, Sunday World journalist John Shiels and former Irish Independent reporter Karl Brophy, who now works in South Africa.
Mr Cooper denied last night he was interested in the position. "This is nothing more than the usual speculation. I left the paper on good terms to pursue a new career opportunity and I have had no contact with anyone regarding this position."
A spokesman for Indepdendent News & Media, which holds a 29.9 per cent stake in the paper, said last night no announcement had been made concerning the editor's position.