Capello bookie fave for England job

By Alan Baldwin

LONDON (Reuters) - Fabio Capello became the bookmakers' frontrunner to take over as England manager on Friday after Aston Villa coach Martin O'Neill ruled himself out of the running.

With a rapidly expanding list of managers distancing themselves from the position left vacant by Steve McClaren's dismissal on Thursday, Capello sounded a rare note of eagerness.

"I am ready to discuss becoming the England national coach," Ladbrokes' 2-1 favourite told Italian media.

"It would be a very interesting challenge and to me difficult challenges have always been fascinating," added the 61-year-old former Real Madrid, AC Milan and Juventus coach.

Portugal's former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was the second favourite, at 4-1 with Paddy Power, despite newspaper reports suggesting the 'special one' was more likely to move to a top European club.

"I was convinced that Mourinho would have accepted it... clearly, he has other targets. But I am a different age to him," said Capello, who was sacked by Real in June for his defensive style despite winning the Spanish title.

Italy's former World Cup winning coach Marcello Lippi, a 33-1 long shot with William Hill, refused to rule out the possibility of a move to England but doubted he would get a call. "If it comes, we will see," he said.

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