(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-09-11 17:30

China is poised to appoint former Yugoslavia citizen Vladimir Petrovic to guide its national team through qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup finals, local media reported on Tuesday.

Vladimir Petrovic

The Serbian's appointment came on the recommendation of compatriot and former Red Star Belgrade team mate Ratomir Dujkovic, who last year was made coach of China's Olympic team.

The 52-year-old old Petrovic, who coached Chinese super league club Dalian Shide to a premiership in 2005, arrived in Beijing on Sunday for talks with Chinese Football Association officials after agreeing on basic terms, Chinese media portal sina.com said.

His appointment could be made public this week.

China last month sacked Zhu Guanghu as coach following the national team's disappointing performance at the recent Asian Cup and announced its intention to hire a foreign coach.

Former France striker Jean-Pierre Papin, former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit and ex-Scotland boss Berti Vogts were among reported candidates.

According to the agreement, Petrovic would work under the guidance of Dujkovic, whose performance with the Olympic squad has impressed local football officials, sina.com said.

China are drawn to play Myanmar on October 21 and 28 in the preliminary knock-out World Cup qualifying round.