Federal Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson has refused to say whether he will consider standing aside in favour of former treasurer Peter Costello.
News Limited has quoted party sources saying Dr Nelson may be asked to stand aside in favour of Mr Costello, who remains on the opposition backbench following last year's election defeat.
Concerned Liberals across both factions have discussed Dr Nelson's standing in the polls and alternative leaders, the report said.
Asked whether he would willingly stand aside to let Mr Costello take over the reins, Dr Nelson told Sky News: "As you would expect of course I'm not going to speculate on anything like that at all."
Dr Nelson said everyone would find out "in due course" what Mr Costello decided to do.
"If Peter decides he is going to continue his political career, and serve the people of Higgins, and indeed the Liberal cause, I can assure you he will be on the frontbench with a bullet," Dr Nelson said.
Mr Costello has been under pressure to announce his intentions since he declined to take up the opposition leadership after the November election.
The retirement of other former Howard government ministers, such as Alexander Downer and Mark Vaile, has placed Mr Costello under further pressure to announce whether he intends to stay in parliament or quit politics.
