RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan 2 (Reuters) - Muricy Ramalho is to take over as coach of Sao Paulo in place of Paulo Autuori, who left the world club champions last week.

The Brazilian team's website said on Monday that Ramalho's appointment had been agreed at a board meeting and he would be officially presented on Tuesday.

'It was no secret we were interested in him and we've been trying to hire him for a while,' said Sao Paulo director Juvenal Juvencio.

Ramalho, 50, led Internacional to second place in last year's Brazilian championship and is returning for a second stint at the club.

He has also coached Puebla in Mexico as well as Brazilian sides Guarani, Ituano, Botafogo-Ribeirao Preto, Santa Cruz, Nautico, Figueirense and Sao Caetano.

Autuori, who had initially agreed to stay at the club, resigned last Thursday to take over at Japan's Kashima Antlers.

He led Sao Paulo to the Libertadores Cup title last year as well as FIFA's Club World Championship final where they beat European champions Liverpool 1-0.