Corinthians picks Batista to replace Menezes

Corinthians says it has reached a deal to sign Adilson Batista as a replacement for departing coach Mano Menezes, who has accepted an offer to take charge of Brazil.

Menezes agreed to become Brazil coach on Saturday and Corinthians later that day said Batista will take over at the four-time Brazilian champion until the end of 2011.

Corinthians says the 42-year-old Batista, who played for the club as a defender when it won the FIFA Club World Cup in 2000, is expected to be officially introduced on Tuesday after signing his contract.

He has been without a club since leaving Cruzeiro earlier this year, having led the team to a runner-up finish in last year's Copa Libertadores.