Former Merrill Lynch CEO Stan O’Neal is in talks with a New York hedge fund and private equity shop about a job.

Vision Capital Advisors has confirmed that it is discussing a position with O’Neal, who was forced out of Merrill last year after four years at the helm. Rumors about O’Neal’s joining Vision have been floated since the summer.

Vision acknowledged that it is speaking with O’Neal, but did not disclose what his role would be or how close it is to becoming reality, Financial News reports.

The $840 million alternatives firm focuses on focuses on small- and mid-sized growth companies, according to its Web site. It was founded by former Rose Glen Capital head trader Adam Benowitz.