Fulham manager Martin Jol will reportedly face disappointment in his bid to add Rene Meulensteen to the coaching staff at Craven Cottage.

Jol offered Meulensteen a position in his backroom staff last week, feeling that the former Manchester United assistant could add extra quality to his team in West London.

Meulensteen asked for time to think about his decision but has now opted to take up a role as technical director with the Qatar Football Association, according to the Daily Mail.

The Dutchman is thought to have agreed a lucrative seven-year contract to work with the Qatari FA, deciding that the offer to work in the Far East was too good to turn down.

The 49-year-old also reportedly made the shortlist of contenders to replace Paolo Di Canio as Sunderland head coach, but they have now decided to go with Gus Poyet.