Brazil`s World Cup-winning coach in demand

Rio de Janeiro: Brazil`s 2002 World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says he has been approached by Colombia and "two Asian teams" to coach them for the 2014 football World Cup.

Scolari, currently in charge of Brazilian club Palmeiras, did not reveal the identity of the Asian teams but said he had not been made an official offer. He revealed former Colombia and Palmeiras striker Faustino Asprilla had invited him to talk with the Colombian federation. "Faustino spoke to me twice and later we agreed to meet with the Colombian federation," Scolari was quoted as saying by Xinhua. "But I have got a deal with Palmeiras which makes it difficult. We decided to leave it." Scolari, whose contract with Palmeiras expires at the end of the year, has expressed his desire to coach for the 2014 tournament. In recent weeks, Brazil`s media has identified the 63-year-old as the logical successor to current coach Mano Menezes - should Mano be sacked. Scolari said he would happily accept a return to his old role but was quick to add the current coach was doing a "good job". "He has been trying some new things but when he has all of his players available he will have a very strong team," Scolari said. IANS