Crocker

SVEN-Goran Eriksson has been offered the Manchester City manager's job, providing former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra completes his takeover, the BBC reports today (AEST).

But Eriksson's agent, Athole Still, claimed reports that the former England boss had held two rounds of talks with Thaksin's representatives are "total rubbish".

Sevilla coach Juande Ramos is reported to have strong support within the current City regime, but a BBC reporter said: "I am told that Eriksson has now been offered the job by Thaksin. Whether he takes over is another matter. He is thinking it over.

"I have also been told it is not as clear-cut as the proposal involving Claudio Ranieri."

It is understood there are other targets on Thaksin's list, but Eriksson is the preferred option.

Ranieri was lined up to succeed sacked Stuart Pearce at City, but opted to join Juventus.

City is still waiting to hear whether Thaksin's takeover will proceed, after some of his assets were frozen and he was ordered back to Bangkok to face corruption charges.

Eriksson has been out of work since quitting the England job after its quarter-final defeat by Portugal in last year's World Cup.

City fans gave a lukewarm reception to reports of Eriksson's possible arrival.

"The supporters are 70-30 against Eriksson," said Heidi Pickup, of the Manchester City Supporters' Trust.

"He has a good record at club level but you cannot ignore all his mistakes with England. You would also have to ask whether he still has what it takes at club level because it's been several years since he last worked as a club manager.

"Personally I would be disappointed. The whole situation smacks of desperation."