While Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohd Khir Toyo is the hot favourite for the Umno Youth chief post, the movement's assistant secretary Zulkifli Alwi is said to be the likely choice for number two.

Pundits have based this o­n the expected move by current chief Hishamuddin Hussein to contest for the party vice-presidency while his deputy Abdul Aziz Sheik Fadzir is rumoured to be eyeing a place in the supreme council.

Party sources said Mohd Khir is considered the most suitable candidate to lead the movement by virtue of his position as a menteri besar and Selangor Umno liaison chief.