Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is firming as favourite for the Chelsea job.

The Guardian says Scolari is the preferred choice to succeed Avram Grant at Chelsea.

Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea owner, is understood to be considering the merits of three candidates and although he has yet to determine who his first-choice will be, Scolari is emerging as the most likely primary target to succeed Avram Grant. The Brazilian is understood to have spoken with Manchester City in London last month about the possibility of taking over at Eastlands on a £3.2m-a-year deal, once his contract with Portugal expires.

Scolari, who is highly regarded within Abramovich's close circle of advisers, does not intend to finalise his future until after the Euro 2008 tournament. He is keen to manage in the Premier League and Chelsea would represent an attractive alternative to joining Thaksin Shinawatra at City.