Ukraine are in talks with Marcello Lippi to take charge of the national team for the European Championship in 2012.
Speculation has been rife ever since Lippi was pictured together with the President of the Ukrainian Football Federation Grygori Surkis at a friendly in Geneva.
After repeated denials, Surkis is quoted in La Gazzetta dello Sport as saying: "Lippi is unique in the world. He is an excellent Coach. There is nothing new to report and I can't add anything else. He is not the Coach of Ukraine."
Ukraine are in talks with Marcello Lippi to take charge of the national team for the European Championship in 2012.
Speculation has been rife ever since Lippi was pictured together with the President of the Ukrainian Football Federation Grygori Surkis at a friendly in Geneva.
After repeated denials, Surkis is quoted in La Gazzetta dello Sport as saying: "Lippi is unique in the world. He is an excellent Coach. There is nothing new to report and I can't add anything else. He is not the Coach of Ukraine."
Asked if he might take the post in the near future, Surkis replied: "Never say never."
In the meantime, reports claim Lippi has agreed to a pre-contract, although negotiations have apparently stalled regarding his earnings.
The idea was to pay Lippi €5m over 18 months before tax, but his entourage are holding out for better terms.