Scolari favourite to replace Eriksson - reports

LONDON, Apr 24 (Reuters) Portugal's Brazilian coach Luis Felipe Scolari is emerging as favourite to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager, British newspapers reported today.

Middlesbrough's Steve McClaren had appeared to be the main contender but the Express said Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein had persuaded the Football Association (FA) to offer Scolari the job within the next 48 hours.

Dein was described as the man who ''delivered'' Eriksson when the Swede was appointed England coach in 2000, and the Express said Dein had now won over colleagues on the FA Selection Group.

The Times, under the headline McClaren v Scolari, said sources had revealed that senior FA councillors previously committed to English candidates were now open to the idea of another foreigner.

The Mail said Scolari was now ''neck and neck'' with McClaren.

The Mirror said Scolari had emerged as the new favourite.

The Brazilian, known as Big Phil, had been a 16-1 chance in betting odds in Britain for some time but early today morning one online company had trimmed those odds to 9-4 with McClaren generally on offer at around 1-2.

Scolari led Brazil to the World Cup trophy in 2002 and Portugal to the Euro 2004 final.

He has repeatedly said he would only consider job offers after July when his contract with the Portuguese soccer federation ends following the World Cup finals in Germany.

Eriksson said in January he would quit as England coach after the finals.

Reuters OM DB0631