Football Association officials are set to interview Italian coach Fabio Capello about the vacant job of England manager, British media reported on Tuesday.

Already a strong candidate, the former AC Milan, Real Madrid and Juventus coach's stock has risen after former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho withdrew on Monday from the race for the England hot-seat.

Several newspapers reported that the FA would be meeting Capello this week, although fellow Italian Marcello Lippi, who steered Italy to its 2006 World Cup triumph, is also seen as a candidate.

Capello has expressed his interest in the England job following last month's sacking of Steve McClaren for his failure to steer the team to next year's European Championship.

The 61-year-old Italian is seen as a tough disciplinarian who sets great store by a team's defensive strengths.

On Monday, Mourinho ruled himself out for the job with British media speculating that he is chasing another big position at club level.

Captain of England John Terry said last week that Mourinho, his former manager at Chelsea, would be the best choice to replace McClaren, saying the Portuguese "could make a big difference."

But Mourinho thought otherwise, even though his representatives had contact with the Football Association after McClaren's departure.

Other names in the frame include former Germany striker and World Cup coach Juergen Klinsmann, Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill and former England forward Alan Shearer.

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily December 12, 2007)