Manchester United No2 Carlos Queiroz is on the brink of taking the Portugal job.

The Sunday Express says Queiroz was the Portuguese FA's first choice to take over from Luiz Felipe Scolari, who takes up his Chelsea duties on July 1.

His departure will be a hammer blow for Sir Alex Ferguson, who was keen for the vastly-experienced 55-year-old Queiroz to take over from him when he quits as United boss in two or three years time.

That was also the feeling among leading United powerbrokers like chief executive David Gill, who are looking for continuity amongst the coaching staff.