Spanish coach Victor Fernandez has described as "interesting" Japan's offer for him to become their new coach, but as yet has not accepted. The 49-year-old, who guided FC Porto to the Intercontinental Cup in 2004, said his agent had been contacted by the Japan Football Association (JFA) about the offer, the Sports Nippon daily reported.

"I appreciate such a proposal and it is interesting," Fernandez was quoted as saying.

But he refused to make any comment on talks under way between his representatives and the Japanese association, the Sports Nippon said.

Fernandez, who resigned as coach of second-division Spanish outfit Real Betis last season, told the daily that the most important detail in the offer is what kind of "project" is envisaged, without elaborating.

JFA vice-president Kuniya Daini told Japanese media that the association was hoping to sign a contract with a new coach "next week, if possible."

JFA President Junji Ogura said earlier that there were three candidates for the job, without giving any names.