Scotland reportedly held talks with Warren Gatland before he returned to take the Wales job at the end of last year.
Three years after leaving the job, Gatland once again took charge of Wales in December following the dismissal of Wayne Pivac.
At the time, speculation was rife over whether the three-time Lions head coach would choose between either Wales or England.
The latter position was also vacant, the Rugby Football Union having sacked Eddie Jones after a disappointing autumn campaign.
Ultimately, Gatland opted to return to Wales, with Steve Borthwick taking the England gig.
But the Times now report that, as well as being courted by Wales and England, Gatland also spoke to Scottish Rugby Union chief executive Mark Dodson about taking over their national team after this year's World Cup before eventually making a decision.
That revelation comes as part of the report that current Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend is set to be offered a two-year extension until 2025.
His contract had been due to expire after this year's World Cup, necessitating the need to look at other options - particularly as he had publicly acknowledged an offer to become part of France's coaching ticket after the World Cup.
Auckland Blues head coach Leon MacDonald had long been reported as an option.
But reports of Gatland, who worked with Townsend on the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa, holding talks with Scotland, are certainly new.
The New Zealander's own future after the World Cup is still a little unclear, having been appointed initially until this year's tournament in France by former Welsh Rugby Union CEO Steve Phillips.
However, following the resignation of Phillips earlier this year after allegations of a "toxic" culture at the WRU, it's not exactly guaranteed that he will take up the option of going through to the 2027 World Cup - particularly after a tough Six Nations campaign, with Gatland referring to a "split" in camp after players threatened strike action ahead of the England match.
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