Angelo Gugel - who was butler to Pope John Paul II - has served at Pope Benedict XVI's side all summer since the arrest.
But although Gugel is seasoned and trusted, his age is considered an issue by the Vatican, sources told ANSA.
Another candidate for the position is Sandro Mariotti, nicknamed "Sandrone" or "Big Sandro", who made his first public appearance at the pope's side during his visit to Milan for "World Family Day" in June.
Now there is also a new entry, Andrea Monzo - an usher whom the pope has personally known since he was very young through his father, also an usher.
Monzo told Pope Ratzinger personally of his interest in the sensitive post, ANSA was told.
Paolo Gabriele served as papal butler until his arrest in May, after secret Vatican documents were found in his possession.
In August, it was announced that Gabriele was charged with aggravated theft after investigators found a 100,000-euro check made out to Benedict, a gold nugget, and a 1581 edition of the Aeneid during a search of Gabriele's home.
Gabriele's lawyer Carlo Fusco said his client had the check "by mistake" and that "he didn't even remotely think of taking it".
The nugget and the Aeneid were gifts to the pope, the Vatican said. It was not made known how or why Gabriele came into possession of either.