An official announcement is expected on Monday.

Lalas joined the then-MetroStars only 10 months ago, after serving in the same capacity for 15 months with the San Jose Earthquakes.

However, after the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) sold the New York club to Austria-based energy-drink giant Red Bull in March, it appears that Lalas’s position became awkward at the club.

Just a few days ago Lalas was quoted in the “The Star-Ledger” scuppering rumors that he was leaving town, but he also left the door open for an inevitable conclusion: “If they wanted to go in a different direction, it would be disappointing, but I'd find something else to do,” said Lalas. “Those people paid a lot of money to own this organization and whatever they feel is the right thing to do, they'll do. I’ll be fine with whatever happens.”

The GM position at Los Angeles opened up when former GM Doug Hamilton tragically passed away on March 9 after suffering a heart attack on a flight from Costa Rica, where the Galaxy were playing a Champions Cup match. Ironically, earlier that same day, the announcement about Red Bull’s takeover of the MetroStars had been made official.

As to who will take up president and general manager vacancy for the New York Red Bulls, former New York Cosmos star Giorgio Chinaglia is among the leading candidates. In addition, one of Chinaglia’s famous Cosmos teammates, Franz Beckenbauer, who presently is head of the World Cup Organizing Committee, expects to join the Red Bulls in an advisory capacity after the World Cup.

Beckenbauer is friends with Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, and allegedly he advised his friend to purchase the MetroStars. Beckenbauer was present at the Red Bulls’ home opener at Giants Stadium on April 8, and the day before he said the following about his future involvement with the club, “I don’t know how it works, but I will take care of Red Bull New York in some way.”

The other matter of concern for New York fans is the fate of current head coach, Mo Johnston, who was hired by Lalas and whose team has stumbled to three draws in each of its three matches this season. Without Lalas around as an ally, Johnston may well be given the boot, and rumors already are circulating that Lothar Matthaus, who had an unpopular stint with the MetroStars as a player, could be among those considered for the next head coaching position.

Matthaus, a German legend and two-time FIFA Player of the Year, has long-term connections with Franz Beckenbauer. Most notably, Beckenbauer was manager when West Germany, with Matthaus captaining the side, won the 1990 World Cup. The two also have ties through Bayern Munich. Beckenbauer was chairman of the German power-house club when Matthaus made his move from Bayern to the MetroStars in 2000.

Another famous former MetroStar-turned-manager who could be considered as a future manager of Red Bull New York is Roberto Donadoni. The Italian midfielder most recently was enjoying a successful spell with Livorno before deciding to quit following public criticism from the team's owner after Livorno – sixth place at the time in Serie A – were held to a draw. Unlike Matthaus, Donadoni is one of the most beloved players ever to don the kit of the MetroStars.

However, given Matthaus’s close personal ties with Red Bull insiders, it seems more probable the former Germany captain would be in line for any potential coaching vacancy.

For more soccer news visit Goal.com