WASHINGTON, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Fox News anchor Tony Snow is expected to be named as the new White House press secretary, to replace outgoing Scott McClellan as the U.S. president's chief spokesman, Fox News reported Tuesday.

Fox News anchor Tony Snow (file photo)

    An announcement is expected on Wednesday morning.

    The White House approached Snow several weeks ago, and newly appointed White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten asked Snow to make a decision by early this week, CNN reported.

    Snow was President George W. Bush's first choice for the job, and he had been mulling the offer for the last several days, as he needed the all-clear from his doctors before he takes the job, theFox News report quoted sources as saying.

    Snow, who was recovering from colon cancer, joined Fox News in 1996.

    McClellan, who has served in the job since June 2003, announced his resignation last week, part of an ongoing shakeup in the Bush administration that began with former Chief of Staff Andy Card resigning and Bolten taking over his seat last week.

    U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman was nominated for Bolten's position at the Office of Management and Budget, and more changes were expected.

    Discussions were continuing about replacing Treasury Secretary John Snow, the CNN report said.

    Also last week, Karl Rove, President George W. Bush's chief political advisor and deputy chief of staff, gave up his role as chief policy coordinator.

    The move, taken at a time when Bush's job approval ratings slid to new lows, was reportedly aimed at enabling Rove to focus on matters relating to the mid-term elections in November. Enditem