Capello in the dark, van Haal interested

Fabio Capello is the leading candidate to succeed Steve McClaren and become the next England manager, but the Italian tactician…

Fabio Capello is the leading candidate to succeed Steve McClaren and become the next England manager, but the Italian tactician claims he's had no contact with the Football Association, while former Netherlands coach Louis van Haal has thrown his name into the hat.

The Former Milan and Real Madrid coach, who leads the betting at 3/1 with Paddy Power bookmakers, has expressed his interest in succeeding McClaren, but insists he has not been approached by The FA.

"There hasn't been any contact with the FA," Capello told Domenica Sportiva.  "I've read the newspapers and I will have an interview as I am one of the three or four candidates to become the new England manager.

"Like Spain, the English have great players but they don't win the big international events."

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Meanwhile van Gaal, who has also had spells in charge of Barcelona and Ajax, is currently at the helm of Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar.

He claims to have been offered the England job before and admits there is a clause in his AZ contract which allows him to leave for a national team post.

The 56-year-old told RTV Noord-Holland: "I was asked a few years ago (to take charge of England) but then I said no.

"Maybe they will call me again now but I understand they (the Football Association) have other things on their minds, like digesting the fact they have not qualified for the finals of Euro 2008.

"I know the chance of becoming England coach isn't that big.

"There are many candidates but I am willing to do it, otherwise I would not have a clause in my contract about a head coach's job of a national team."