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.

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

Australia hit by injury scare
Reuters, Sydney

Australia's World Cup hopes were hit by a four-pronged injury scare following the weekend's FA Cup and Premier League matches in England.

First-choice goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer suffered a suspected fractured cheekbone, winger Harry Kewell a groin problem and midfielder Tim Cahill a knee injury.

Striker Mark Viduka failed to start Middlesbrough's FA Cup semifinal against West Ham United due to a thigh injury.

Kewell was in sparkling form in Liverpool's 2-1 Cup semifinal victory over champions Chelsea before limping off early.

"I don't know the full story but we'll be in touch with him as soon as possible," Australia's assistant coach Graham Arnold told reporters. "We'll keep our fingers crossed it's not too serious. Knowing Harry he'll do everything he can to get fit."

Cahill hurt his knee during Everton's 0-0 Premier League draw with Birmingham City and was substituted at halftime.

Australia begin their first World Cup finals campaign for 32 years on June 12 against Japan. Brazil and Croatia are the other teams in Group F.

Cassano worried about his chances
Reuters, Madrid

Real Madrid striker Antonio Cassano is worried about his chances of making the Italy squad for the World Cup finals in Germany.

"I haven't lost hope but I think it is going to be very difficult," Cassano told reporters after Sunday's 2-1 win over Malaga in the Bernabeu.

"I am not playing very much with my club and usually it is only those who are playing regularly who go."

The 23-year-old was given a rare start with Ronaldo out injured on Sunday, but was guilty of squandering some of his side's best chances as they laboured to overhaul a 1-0 deficit against the Primera Liga's bottom club.

It was only after he was withdrawn in the second half that Zinedine Zidane and Sergio Ramos scrambled a last minute win.

"I had some good chances today but luck wasn't with me. I played an hour and need to continue playing. I am convinced I will improve," he added.