Finally looks like it is sorted, FA and Capello in talks over the job.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7137847.stmCapello and England set for talks
Italian Capello has won domestic titles in both Italy and Spain
Italian Fabio Capello is set to begin talks about becoming the new England coach, BBC Sport understands.
A deal could be sealed within days if discussions with Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick go well.
Capello, 61, could arrive in England on Wednesday, and it is reported that his son, Pierfilippo Capello, who acts as his agent, has flown into England.
Ex-Real Madrid, Juventus, Roma and AC Milan boss Capello has received glowing references from top names in football.
Interview: Fabio Capello (Football Focus on 24/11/07)
Interview: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
According to BBC Radio 5 Live football correspondent Jonathan Legard, negotiations between Capello, Barwick and Sir Trevor Brooking, the FA's director of development, could happen on Wednesday evening.
606: DEBATE
Lippi would be my personal choice, but Capello hardly comes in a poor second
BBC Sport's Phil McNulty
"I am also told that much of the contractual work has already been handled on his behalf by the Italian super-agent Giovanni Branchini, a man who is renowned for his tough talking, high-profile deal-making," added Legard.
"I am also told Branchini has gone to Tokyo already for the World Club Championship, which suggests that much of the work has been done already.
"It is the first time the pair have worked together and could be an indication of Capello's determination to make things happen with the FA.
"Sources at Soho Square continue to insist there's no timescale until Messrs Barwick and Brooking have their face-to-face meeting with Capello.
"I understand the FA are confident of other options should there be a breakdown but that doesn't appear to be in the minds of either of the key parties at the moment."
Marcello Lippi, who steered Italy to success in the 2006 World Cup, is thought to be Capello's main rival for the job.
Jose Mourinho was the favourite to succeed McClaren, who was sacked after England failed to qualify for Euro 2008, but the former Chelsea boss pulled out of the running.
Capello has won nine league titles in 16 years as a coach, picking up silverware with all four clubs he has been in charge of.
He won the Champions League with Milan in 1994 and was also an accomplished player, winning 32 caps as a midfielder for the national team.
Clarence Seedorf, who was part of the Real Madrid side that pipped Barcelona to the La Liga title under Capello in 1997, says his former manager is a proven winner and has a track record of getting players to play to their full potential.
The only problem he could have, I don't know how good his English is. But the technical job, you don't have to worry about him
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
"One of his major qualities is to get the best out of his players, to make sure everyone is committed to the team's goals," the 31-year-old told Radio 5 Live.
"He is very, very specific in what he wants and very clear what he wants from every player.
"Sometimes he really pushes you to the limits and that, of course, has proven effective.
"When the focus is on the training, then he really expects 100% and not less.
"He would rather have less quality but committed players rather than quality players who are not committed.
"But he is also very experienced with great players and is able to get the best out of them."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes England could not choose a better-qualified coach but expressed concern about the Italian's grasp of English, which is said to be limited.
"Capello is a strong character," confirmed Wenger.
"He has a clear idea of what he wants. I believe as well he's a strong winner. The guy is convinced of the methods he uses. The quality of the candidate is outstanding.
"The only problem he could have, I don't know how good his English is. A big part of the job is to deal with the media.
"But the technical job, you don't have to worry about him."
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is another fan of Capello.
"To manage a national team you need to be a certain age with plenty of experience and with a presence and a CV that is indisputable and Capello has all of that," said the Scot.
Giancarlo Galavotti, London correspondent for Gazzetta dello Sport, believes that a deal between Capello and the FA could be struck by the end of the week.
"Of course they have not yet sat together to discuss all the details but it appears that, barring anything absolutely dramatic, I would say that possibly by the end of the week everything will be sealed, " he said.
"If England go for a foreign coach there is hardly anyone better than him.
I would say that his credentials are incredible. If the class of Fabio Capello fails then it is very worrying for the England national team
Italian journalist Giancarlo Galavotti
"I would say he is more of a Sir Alex Ferguson sort of character.
"He is very much his own man, very much wants to win and if winning means to set aside players or even staff who have been with him for many years he will do that because he has got only one aim and that is to win.
"I would say that his credentials are incredible. If the class of Fabio Capello fails then it is very worrying for the England national team."
Capello was sacked by Real in June, despite guiding them to La Liga crown and since then, he has been working as a commentator for Italian television company RAI.
According to BBC sources, RAI have already begun the search for his replacement, seemingly convinced he is about to be given the England job.
Former Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola has voiced his support for Capello, saying he "possesses the ideal pedigree to create a new era of success for England".
He added: "Even when Jose Mourinho was in the running I believed that Capello had even more charisma, talent and experience for a challenging job like this one."
McClaren was sacked on 22 November after England failed to qualify for next year's European Championship.
Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard has also spoken positively about Capello.
"It's very important for the England manager we pick to have a big personality with a big history," said Lampard.
"Capello certainly has that with the titles he's won at all levels of football.
"I don't know who the manager is going to be. If it's Capello, he's the kind of personality I think England needs."
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Does anyone disagree with Capello being England manager? Looking at his history he looks the most reliable candidate.
