[D-Kin]

Lippi offered England job? Saturday 8 December, 2007

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Italian newspaper ‘Corriere dello Sport’ claims a representative of the English FA has flown out to hire Marcello Lippi.

The World Cup winner has been out of work since quitting the Azzurri in July 2006, but confirmed this week he is ready for a return to the bench.

According to the ‘Corriere’ front page story, a representative of the FA flew out for a personal visit to discuss terms with Lippi and received a preliminary agreement.

Another Italian, former Juventus and Roma boss Fabio Capello, is also in the running for the England job and has publicly stated he would be interested in taking it.

The favourite had until now been Jose Mourinho, already familiar with the Premier League after leading Chelsea to the title.

There are reports on the BBC that the Football Association has drawn up a shortlist of five or six candidates, already contacting Mourinho through his agent.

The other options are thought to be Martin O’Neill and ex-Germany Coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

The news is a blow for Capello, who up until now is the only tactician who has said he would be glad to lead England, as he is falling further behind in the pecking order.

"We are determined to get the right man, at the right time,” said FA chairman Geoff Thompson.

"Brian Barwick has been charged with finding a manager to recommend to the FA board and is well under way with the process."

Steve McClaren was sacked after failing to qualify for Euro 2008.

channel4.com - Football Italia