RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Rafael Dudamel has agreed in principle to leave his post as Venezuela head coach to join Brazil's Atletico Mineiro, according to Brazilian press reports.

The 46-year-old former international goalkeeper was due to meet with Venezuelan football federation officials in Caracas on Thursday to negotiate an amicable departure after more than two years as the Vinotinto boss, Globo Esporte reported.

It added that Dudamel was impressed by Atletico's 2020 plans after meeting with the Brazilian club's representatives in the southeastern city of Belo Horizonte.

He is reportedly keen to bring his Venezuela backroom staff to Brazil, including assistant coach Marcos Mathias, fitness coach Joseph Canas, video analyst Rodrigo Pinon and psychologist Jeremias Alvarez.

Atletico finished 13th in the 2019 Brazilian Serie A standings, leaving them without a place in this year's Copa Libertadores.

Dudamel's exit would leave Venezuela with just two months to appoint a new head coach ahead of the South American zone World Cup qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup. Enditem

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