Portugal's Brazilian coach Luis Felipe Scolari is emerging as favourite to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager.
Middlesbrough's Steve McClaren had seemed to be the main contender but the Daily Express reported Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein had persuaded the Football Association to offer Scolarithe job instead.
Dein was described as the man who "delivered" Eriksson when the Swede was appointed England coach in 2000.
The Times, under the headline "McClaren v Scolari", said senior FA councillors previously committed to English candidates were now open to the idea of another foreigner.
The Daily Mail said Scolari was now "neck and neck" with McClaren. The Mirror said Scolari, known as Big Phil, had been a 16-1 shot but was now 9-4 favourite.
Scolari led Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002 and Portugal to the Euro2004 final.
He has said he would only consider job offers when his contract with Portugal ends after the July World Cup finals in Germany.
- REUTERS
Soccer: England turning to big Phil
Luis Felipe Scolari
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