The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Sao Paulo

Luiz Felipe Scolari insisted Friday that he intends to see out his contract as Portugal coach despite being linked with the vacant England manager's job.

The former Brazil coach said that he had not been in contact with the Football Association (FA) and had not received an offer after the sacking of Steve McClaren following England's failure to qualify for the Euro 2008 finals.

"My contract with the Portugal Football Federation runs out in July 2008. I am very happy in Portugal," he said, after a meeting with Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. "I am very satisfied that, once again, Portugal have qualified for the Euro 2008."

Scolari met with Lula to discuss the setting up of a commission aimed at stemming the exodus of Brazilian footballers to foreign clubs.

The 2002 World Cup-winning coach has been personally invited by Lula to contribute to the commission which will hold its first meeting next year.

"The commission will meet for the first time at the beginning of next year to discuss ideas suggested by the president and clubs to stem the flight of the stars," said Scolari.