US President Donald Trump is considering naming America's top military commander in the Pacific, Admiral Harry Harris, as US Ambassador to Australia.
The coveted position in Canberra is one of many diplomatic posts across the world Mr Trump has failed to fill despite moving into the White House seven months ago.
The Washington Post, citing US officials, reported on Tuesday the Australian government "is growing more and more concerned that President Trump has yet to appoint an ambassador there".
Admiral Harris, head of the US Pacific Command and heavily involved in dealing with China and North Korea, has a strong relationship with Australia.
He appears well credentialed to be the conduit between Australia, traditionally one of America's closest allies, and Mr Trump who has had tense relations with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull over the controversial asylum seeker deal.
Mr Turnbull met with Admiral Harris in New York on May 4.
Later that night Admiral Harris spoke glowingly of Australia at an event attended by Mr Trump, Mr Turnbull and other dignitaries to honour the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.
Admiral Harris still has a year to go on his three-year tour.
"Admiral Harris is a frequent visitor to Australia," Andrew Shearer, senior adviser on Asia-Pacific security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told the Post.
"He's well-known to Australians, highly respected.
"I'm sure his appointment would be welcomed by both sides of politics.
"He's a straight talking, engaging kind of bloke and that's how Australians like it."
Mr Trump's former chief-of-staff Reince Priebus favoured Trump fundraiser and alleged slum lord Rod Gidwitz for the post, officials said according to the Post.
Admiral Harris has openly challenged China's island building in the South China Sea.
China reportedly requested Mr Trump remove Admiral Harris as PACOM commander.
