England boss Fabio Capello wants to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

The Daily Mail says Capello would consider quitting England for Manchester United if Ferguson goes through with his planned retirement after the 2010 World Cup finals.

Ferguson is adamant that he will stop managing at 70 - in December, 2011 - and while 62-year-old Capello would be happy to continue with England until 2012, he is the perfect, big personality to take over at Old Trafford, having won nine League titles in Italy and Spain, as well as the European Cup.

According to a new biography, 'Fabio Capello: The Man, The Dream, The Inside Story', the former Real Madrid boss was offered the Old Trafford job when Ferguson prematurely announced his retirement in 2001.

After a meeting with Martin Edwards, the then United chairman, Capello, then the boss at Roma, believed the job was his for the 2002-3 campaign.

But, in February, 2002, United announced that the board had "entered into discussions with Sir Alex on a new contract".

Although stunned then, Capello would still be interested in an offer. Officially, he intends to see out his England contract until 2012.

But if England do not qualify for 2010, the FA can sack him without having to pay any compensation.