Yusuf Alireza is in talks with Hong Kong-based Noble whose chief executive Ricardo Leiman resigned last week, hours after the company reported its first loss in more than a decade, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

Alireza leaves Goldman after 19 years at the firm. He spent just 10 months working as co-president of Asian-Pacific ex-Japan, according to an internal memo circulated last Friday.

In 2008, Alireza moved to Hong Kong to head Goldman's securities division in Asia. Alireza joined Goldman in 1992 and was named managing director in 2000 and partner in 2004.

David Ryan remains as sole president of Goldman Sachs in the region. He and Alireza became co-presidents in January, when the roles were created. Ryan is also the head of Goldman's investment-banking division in the region.

Noble did not immediately return calls for comment.