Jim Furyk looks set to be tasked with leading a successful Ryder Cup defence for the first time since 1993 as he is lined up for captaincy in 2018.

The US reclaimed the trophy from Europe in emphatic fashion last year at Hazeltine under the stewardship of Davis Love III. 

The Ryder Cup heads to Le Golf National in Paris next year and a report in Tuesday's Telegraph claims that the 46-year-old is the prime candidate to take up the mantle.

The selection committee, which included Love, 14-time major winner Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, had whittled down their list to either Furyk or Fred Couples for the coveted role.

"That committee is in place for a reason," Furyk said last month. "If they decide 2018, 2020, 2022, whenever, that I’m the right person, I would love to have that job."

Furyk is the last member of Paul Azinger’s victorious 2008 team and last year made history by shooting the only ever 58 in a round on the PGA Tour.

 Jim Furyk reacts after missing a putt on the 18th hole and losing to Europe's Sergio Garcia during a singles match at the Ryder Cup in 2012. Furyk was at the centre of the action for all the wrong reasons as Europe secured a famous victory, widely referred to as the Miracle at Medinah Image: AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Furyk was vice-captain to Love for their victory in 2016 and is a member of the member of the famous "Task Force" set up after the 2014 defeat at Gleneagles.

"We [the Task Force] had a goal for the next five to 10 Ryder Cups. I've said all along that if we won this week that’s great, but let’s not raise the flag and say, 'this is the greatest thing ever,'" Furyk said.

"And if we lose let’s not say, 'Oh s***, this doesn’t work.' It's a long-term plan."

The 2003 US Open champion sits at 37th in the world rankings and, alongside Mickelson, holds the US record for most matches lost - 20.