Capello for England?

The Italian is now the 5/2 market leader having been as big as 12/1 on Thursday. And the current Aston Villa boss has been pushed out to 11.00 (10/1), from 3.50 (5/2), for the post.

Ladbrokes spokesman, Nick Weinberg, said: “Martin O’Neill’s decision to rule himself out has paved the way for Fabio Capello to lead the market. The Italian is one of the very few runners to confirm an interest and leads the way almost by default.”

Jose Mourinho is 6.00 (5/1) with Boylesports, Centrebet and Sportingbet to take over.

Liverpool Boss Rafa Benitez has also joined the race, the Spaniard is believed to have been joking when he told reporters at a press conference that he might be considered as a candidate for the job. Rafa can be backed for the top job at 21.00 (20/1) with Bet Direct, BetFred, Better Bet and VCBet.

But with growing unease at the club and rumours that he has already turned down an approach from Bayern Munich punters have been quick to get on him at a decent price.

Ladbrokes spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "We weren't going to add Benitez to the list but we have had a number of enquiries asking us to do so. He looks as likely to get it is any of the others at this stage."