MOSCOW (AFP) - Russian Football Union (RFU) chief Nikolai Tolstykh wants Fabio Capello to remain as national team coach for the 2018 World Cup on Russian soil.

"Capello has repeatedly said that he's happy with his job in Russia and the conditions that the RFU created for him here," Russian daily Sport Express quoted Tolstykh as saying in Friday's issue.

"The RFU value Capello's professional skills and his personal qualities of character highly.

"We're happy with the results that the country's national team show under his coaching. The RFU is very interested in further co-operation with Capello."

Last month the 67-year-old Italian manager dismissed rumours about his possible resignation after reportedly receiving an offer to replace Carlo Ancelotti at French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

"When a coach achieves some success in his profession it's natural that serious clubs show their interest in his services," Capello said last month.

"However, I can say that I love Russia and I'm completely happy to work here."

Russia are lying second in 2014 World Cup qualifying Group F with 12 points from five matches, two points behind leaders Portugal, who have already played seven matches.

Russia face hosts Northern Ireland on August 14 in a qualifier held over March because of heavy snow in Belfast in March.