Fabio Capello has become a shoo-in for the England job, the British media said on Tuesday.
According to press and TV reports, Capello is runaway favourite after former Chelsea boss Jose' Mourinho pulled out on Monday.
Now We Can Say Buongiorno To Capello was the headline in the Daily Mail while the Daily Star quoted the Football Association as saying ''We're going to get Fabio''.
Capello's agent, his son Pier Filippo Capello, said ''It would be something very special for my father to lead England''.
''He would be very proud to get the job, even though there has been no call yet''.
The British media were skeptical about repeated denials of contacts, reporting that a deal would be wrapped up ''in the next few days''.
Capello might call in Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola to help him with his English, they said.
The Italian coach last month declared a strong interest in becoming England's new coach.
''It would be a very interesting challenge and I've always loved interesting challenges,'' said the 61-year-old, who is currently a RAI commentator.
The ex-AC Milan, Real Madrid, Roma and Juve boss leads former Italy boss Marcello Lippi in the running to replace Steve McLaren, who was sacked after England failed to qualify for Euro 2008.
Capello, who won league titles with all his teams, said last year that coaching England had always been his ''dream''.
England's next scheduled match is a friendly against France on March 26.
