Sabella given Friday deadline for Sao Paulo job

Sao Paulo have given a deadline of Friday for Alejandro Sabella to accept an offer to coach the club, according to media reports.

The former Argentina coach is said to have told the Brazilian outfit he needs until April 17 to make a decision.

But according to the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper, the club is ready to hand the role to former Internacional and Fluminense boss Abel Braga if Sabella does not reply by Friday.

Earlier, Sao Paulo confirmed that Sabella and Braga had joined former Real Madrid manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo and Chile national coach Jorge Sampaoli as leading contenders for the position.

"We have those four in mind," the club's football vice-president Ataide Gil told ESPN Brasil. "I can't say any more than that because it would be unethical. But we need a coach that will make an impact like Muricy did."

Sabella has been linked with Manchester City's coaching position amid reports Manuel Pellegrini will leave the club this summer.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has also been touted as a candidate for the job at the Etihad stadium.

Sabella has taken time off coaching after guiding Argentina to last year's World Cup final.

A former midfielder who was capped eight times for Argentina, the 59-year-old represented Brazilian top-flight club Gremio in the 1980s.

His playing career also included spells with Leeds and Sheffield United in England. Endi