Former Brazil and Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari considering offers from clubs in UAE and China, reveals agent

Luiz Felipe Scolari has had two spells in charge of the Brazil national team. 

World Cup-winning Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari is weighing up job offers from the UAE and China, his agent has revealed.

Scolari has been out of work since being sacked by Brazilian club Palmeiras in September and according to his agent, Jorge Machado, he has turned down national team opportunities in favour of remaining in club football.

"About national teams, people called, but it didn't work," Machado is quoted as telling Fox Sports. "It wasn't Felipe's project to return to a national team right now. The best project is outside the country.

"We have two very strong contacts from Asia. As soon as they open the borders, we will enter into contact. One is from China, the other from the United Arab Emirates."

With football on lockdown around the world due to the coronavirus pandemic, any potential move for Scolari will likely take place once travel restrictions are lifted, and in the case of UAE football, once the season has finished.

Given the current landscape in the Arabian Gulf League, there is one major club with a managerial vacancy after leaders Shabab Al Ahli sacked Rodolfo Arruabarrena last month.

Gerard Zaragoza, the club's Under-21 manager, was installed in caretaker charge until the end of the season but when the campaign will conclude remains uncertain.

Indeed, Scolari had been closely linked with a move to the club when it was Al Ahli, prior to its merger with Al Shabab and Dubai Club in 2017.

Another notable managerial vacancy in UAE football is the national team post, although Machado's comments would seem to rule Scolari out of the running.

Scolari, 71, has had a long and well-travelled career, with spells in charge of various Brazilian and Middle Eastern clubs, including in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

His national team roles include two separate stints with Brazil, in 2001-2002 when he led his nation to World Cup glory, and from 2012-2014. Scolari was also Portugal manager for five years between 2003 and 2008.

His most high-profile club job came in 2008 when he was appointed Chelsea manager, but his time at Stamford Bridge lasted just seven months.