Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson faces the possibility of losing assistant manager Carlos Queiroz after Portugal identified him as their preferred choice to succeed Luiz Felipe Scolari.
The Portugese FA are believed to have tabled a £1.5 million-a-year offer for Queiroz to take over the national team, with some as yet unconfirmed reports in the Portuguese media suggesting that he has agreed a deal.
With Ferguson already locked in a fierce battle with Real Madrid over Queiroz's compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, the attention on one of the United manager's most trusted and valuable employees will be hugely unwelcome.
Queiroz managed Portugal for a spell in the 1990s and his stock in his homeland is high after he has been credited with playing a major roll in steering United to domestic and European honours last season.
Queiroz is well placed to succeed Ferguson when he retires in the next couple of years though the lure of the Portugal job, with the side enjoying one of the strongest squads it has known in recent years, is sure to be strong.
With qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa beginning in earnest in September now is an exciting time for the country's football team.
Meanwhile, former United midfielder Kleberson, who played under Scolari at international level, believes Chelsea will be a much tougher proposition under the Brazilian World Cup winning coach.
"Chelsea fans can expect good things and many trophies from the team under Scolari's management," said Kleberson, who now plays for Flamengo.
"He has spent the last few years in international management but I have no doubts he will be able to adapt.
"But his players must be aware he demands full commitment."
Damn it why can't Manchester Utd fans just be left to enjoy their summer! It doesn't make sense that Carlos would be telling Ronaldo to stay and then disappears himself to take over Portugal. There's plenty of time for him to do that much later in his career. Surely day to day contact with young players is much better than getting together with players every couple of months. I see Carlos as the next Manchester Utd manager and I'd be devastated if he left again. Just get it sorted Fergie & Co and give him whatever assurances he needs.
Surely being Man U manager is a bigger prize esp as he has already been there and done that with Portugal. What's the sayin...don't go back..