TOKYO. Aug 7: French coach Philippe

Troussier is favourite to become Japan's national coach since

negotiations with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger have become deadlocked, it was reported here today, says AFP.

The Football Association of Japan has almost reached an agreement with Troussier. 44. and is expected to decide at the next board of directors' meeting on September 10. the Yomiuri Shimbun reported.

Troussier. known as the 'white magician' has worked with national teams and clubs in South Africa. Ivory Coast, Morocco. Nigeria and Burkina Faso after leading a French Third Division Club till 1988.

The Frenchman took no-hopers Burkina Faso to fourth place in the African Nations' Cup this year and became the coach of South Africa just three months before the finals in France.

South Africa drew with Denmark and Saudi Arabia to

earn two points in the preliminary round, but failed to reach the last 16. forcing Troussier to quit his job.

The Japanese association and originally tried to get Wenger, who led London club Arsenal to the Premier League and FA Cup double last season.

But Wenger. 48. has one more year to go in his contract with Arsenal and has set his sights on winning the European Champions' League. Wenger recommended Troussier to the association as a replacement. Yomiuri said.

The daily added that the term of any contract with Troussier hadyet to be decided, and suggested he could be replaced by Wenger before the World Cup which Japan will cohost in 2002 depending on the results he achieves.

Japan, who lost all three of their matches at their first World Cup finals in France, desperately want to avoid being the first host nation to fail to reach the last 16 in 2002.

Their co-hosts South Korea were also beaten in the preliminary round in France.