London, Mar. 26 : Mickey Arthur, who has built South Africa into one of the world''s leading cricket sides, has emerged as a surprise candidate to be the next England coach, while Ashley Giles has been told he is not in the frame.

The Telegraph quoted sources as suggesting that Arthur is the external candidate most favoured by the England and Wales Cricket Board to replace Peter Moores before the start of the summer.

The ECB have employed a city-based firm of headhunters to co-ordinate their recruitment process and they will be charged with making any approach to Arthur, who is contracted to South Africa until 2011.

Arthur''s stock has risen dramatically during 12 months of sustained success for South Africa that culminated in a Test series victory in Australia.

Defeat in the recent return series was tempered by his side''s comprehensive win in the final Test. He is known to be ambitious and was tempted by several offers from counties last summer.

The England head coach''s position is thought to come with a 300, 000 pound salary, a package that would significantly improve Arthur''s earnings.

Giles, the director of cricket at Warwickshire and part-time England selector, has been told he does not have the relevant international coaching experience to be considered for the job.

He is about to begin only his second season as a coach but, despite his inexperience, was at one stage in the frame to fill in as Moores'' temporary replacement on the West Indies tour. (ANI)