With legendary singer Seal, 54, bowing out of the line-up for the 2018 series of the reality show, producers have been frantically searching for a high-profile star to join the cast.
And with all eyes on Oscar-winner Russell, 53, after his latest album topped the iTunes and Amazon charts, they're hoping that he'll agree to take up the role.
'It's true, this is the rumour everyone's talking about,' says an industry insider. 'And no wonder - seeing Russell and Delta on The Voice together would be a real game-changer.
'Obviously Russell would be a major coup because of his star power - and given that he knowns the celebrity game link no-one else and he's a successful musician, he'd make a killer mentor.'
Speculation has been rife over who will replace Seal since it was revealed in October the singer wouldn't be returning to the show with fellow coaches Delta, 33, Kelly Rowland, 36, and Boy George, 56.
And while 'scores of celebs have been suggested for the key part, producers agree they need someone who 'can shine with Delta.'
Boy George did nothing to water down rumours that Russell could be the next host during an interview with KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O last week.
Revealing that he believed the new host was a bloke and that he show needed a 'man's man' coach who'd appeal to female audiences, he described the actor to a tee.
'I think it's going to be a man, a geezer, a bloke,' he told the radio show.
Russell's music career is experiencing a resurgence since his well-known band 30 Odd Foot of Grunts dissolved in 2005. His latest album The Musical with Indoor Garden Party - a collaboration of talented musicians - topped charts around the world, with a sell-out tour of England and Ireland that received rave reviews from fans and critics.
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