Who has the steel to take over the Diamond hotseat?

It's the worst best job in the world: The future boss of Barclays will command an eight-figure salary and bonus package, oversee a genuinely global bank, with an enviable market position and have the financial world hanging on his every word.

At the same time he will have to defend the indefensible in the form of bonuses while reforming a culture that allowed traders to receive emails offering bottles of Bollinger as thanks for attempting to fixing Libor interest rates.

Here we present a gambler's guide to the names in the frame. On the other hand, Barclays may just pluck some AN Other from abroad who's untainted by scandal and none of the bookies have thought of.

Bill Winters

Best price 5/1 (Cantor Index)

Why he's credible

The former chief executive of JP Morgan in Europe knows London well. Well respected, he played a big role in keeping JP clear of muck in run up to the financial crisis. Apparently, JP's chief executive Jamie Dimon didn't see him as a future boss. That's not necessarily a handicap, as post London Whale, Mr Dimon's judgement doesn't look as good as it did.

Why he's not

An investment banker, American born with dual British nationality exactly like a certain Robert E Diamond Jr. Has been linked with big jobs before only to turn them down.

Our view If an external hire is made it's rarely the favourite. But at 3-1, he has to be worth an interest.

Antony Jenkins

Best Price 9-2 (William Hill/Cantor Index)

Why he's credible

The well-liked former Citigroup executive is a retail banker and Brit who's star is on the rise. By a distance the most credible internal candidate and been mentioned as future CEO in past. Was in running to be boss of Lloyds Banking Group

Why he's not

Limited experience of investment banking so might not be in the best position to keep an eye on Barclays Investment Bank. Mr Agius may feel a clean break with the past and is needed.

Our view He's Paddy Power's idea of a 5-4 favourite. He'll be on the shortlist and his star has been rising. But clever folk in the City will tell you an external hire is needed to provide a "clean break" with the past.

Richard Meddings

Best Price 8-1 (William Hill)

Why he's credible

Standard Chartered's finance director is bright, personable, talented, and could be tempted given boss Peter Sands isn't going anywhere. By some estimations Standard Chartered, which is focussed on emerging markets, is world's best bank. Dream hire?

Why he's not

Expertise in investment banking isn't enormous (although better than some rivals). Stan Chart has done so spectacularly well because it is filled with talented refugees from the sort of aggressive culture at Barclays (or JP Morgan, or Citi). So might not want it.

Our view In many respects he could be seen as a dream hire, but small stakes.

Naguib Kheraj

Best price 16-1 (William Hill)

Why he's credible

Cricket loving former finance director under John Varley who moved on to become chief executive of Cazenove, the broker, handling its takeover by JP Morgan. Very bright, and knows his onions when it comes to investment banking. As low as 5-1 with Ladbrokes.

Why he's not

His appointment might be seen as a retrograde step and he's made a fair few enemies.

Our view In with a shot, but don't bank on it.

Gary Hoffman

Best price 10-1 (William Hill)

Why he's credible

Experienced, if occasionally abrasive, executive who was appointed by the Government to sort out Northern Rock and got it into the position so the "good" bank could be sold.

Why he's not

Another ex Barclays man, blotted his copybook while in charge of Barclaycard. Unable to pull off acquisition of Verde from Lloyds as chief executive of "new simple" bank NBNK. It's still just a shell company.

Our view There's been something of a punt on him, and Ladbrokes briefly suspended its markets. It has him at 2-1. We'd see him as a longshot.

David Roberts/ Frits Seegers

Best price 8-1 (both of them with Paddy Power)

Why they're credible

They're former Barclays executives who know retail and business banking. Untainted by recent events.

Why they're not

Lack investment banking experience, and bringing either back a retrograde step. Plus either one of them could prompt Jenkins to walk. Mr Agius would rather avoid that.

Our view Their odds ought to be more like 25-1. Or higher. Steer clear.

Hector Sants

Best price 20-1 (Ladbrokes)

Why he's credible

Are you kidding? Former investment banker who became a regulator when made head of the Financial Services Authority before a move to the Bank of England.

Why he's not

Might lack the appetite. But he is as low as 5-2 with City bookie Cantor Index. That's worthy of note.

Our view It looks unlikely but 20-1 is a huge price for an intriguing dark horse who has the tools to win the race if he wants to. Take it now.

Christopher Lucas

Best price 10-1 (William Hill)

Why he's credible

Competent finance director who knows the business well.

Why he's not

There are some finance directors who can step up to become chief executive but Mr Lucas wouldn't appear to be one of them.

Our view Merits an interview if he wants the job but hard to fancy.

Oswald Grübel

Best price 12/1 (Ladbrokes)

Why he's credible

Uber experienced Swiss banker who turned around Credit Suisse and was hand-picked to turn around UBS for the same reason. Has ticks in all the right boxes.

Why he's not

Was succeeding at UBS until it was hit by a rogue trader scandal which forced his resignation. Fans argue it was hardly his fault, but tarred.

Our view The trading scandal probably kills it for him. Otherwise he'd be a more than lively outsider.

Prices correct at time of going live