Ghana lines up Avram Grant as coach

ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — The Ghanaian football association says it will have final talks with former Chelsea manager Avram Grant over him taking charge of the country's national team.

The GFA says the 59-year-old Grant is its No. 1 choice as coach ahead of two other candidates: former Spain international Juan Ignacio Martinez and Swiss coach Michel Pont. The GFA says it will now discuss contract details with Grant "with the hope of reaching an agreement."

Grant, an Israeli, has coached Chelsea, Portsmouth and West Ham in England. He is also a former Israel national team coach.

Ghana fired Kwesi Appiah after a troubled World Cup campaign in Brazil, where the Black Stars failed to win a game and had their campaign marred by players threatening to strike over unpaid bonuses.