TEHRANTIMES - Iran Football Federation General Secretary Mehdi Mohammad Nabi has said that he is in contact with Carlos Queiroz and the Portuguese coach will return to Iran in August to continue contract extension negotiations.

“Queiroz accepted our initial offer, and he will return to Iran to finalize the deal. He is our only candidate, and the rumors about him reaching an agreement with South Africa’s football federation are rubbish. Queiroz denied this speculation in the South African media,” Nabi told reporters on Friday.

The South African newspaper the Cape Times reported on Wednesday that Carlos Queiroz would be named Bafana Bafana coach on Saturday -- if he and the South African Football Association (SAFA) could agree on his salary. Iran’s offer was reportedly a whopping 150% more lucrative than what SAFA put on the table.

Nabi also denied holding any negotiations with other candidates and insisted that Queiroz is the IFF’s only choice.

“We don’t have any alternative for the post, and Queiroz is our only candidate,” Nabi added.

Iran will soon begin preparing for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, which will be held in Australia from January 9 to 31, 2015.

Under the tutelage of Carlos Queiroz, the Iranian national team played out a goalless draw against Nigeria, suffered a late 1-0 defeat against Argentina, and lost 3-1 to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group F of the 2014 World Cup.