ARU boss John O'Neill previously served as chief executive of Football Federation Australia from 2004 to 2007 © Getty Images

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Australian Rugby Union (ARU) boss John O'Neill has reportedly missed out on high-profile switch to English Premier League giants Manchester City.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that O'Neill was approached by headhunters representing the football club last year to guage his interest in taking on the chief executive role vacated by Gary Cook following an email scandal.

The 60-year-old O'Neill was subsequently interviewed by club directors during the recent Rugby World Cup before a further meeting with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and he was considered a favourite for the role that has since gone to former Barcelona general manager Ferran Soriano with confirmation of his appointment expected shortly.

O'Neill, who has two years remaining on his current ARU contract, did not want to comment when approached by the newspaper but it is understood he was flattered by the approach and the chance to return to the football arena having served as chief executive of Football Federation Australia from 2004 to 2007 - was a huge temptation.