Eriksson poised to take City job

Former England head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is poised to make his return to football management at Manchester City.

Eriksson has been out of work since his five-and-a-half-year England reign came to an end last summer.

But reports claim that the 59-year-old Swede has agreed a three-year deal in principal subject to former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra taking a 75 per cent stake in the club.

The board have recommended that shareholders accept Thaksin's £81.6 million takeover offer but City are trying to play down rumours of Eriksson's impending arrival.

The club told reporters: "Discussions are on-going with managerial candidates and once the offer becomes or is declared unconditional in all respects, the club expects to announce the appointment of a new manager."

Eriksson has already sounded out Sweden assistant coach Roland Andersson about becoming his assistant at City.

Andersson said he was "flattered" to be offered the role, adding: "I was contacted by Sven (about being assistant coach). He said he was considering an offer to become Manchester City manager."

Thaksin has promised the new City boss will have around £50 million to spend on bolstering the squad which includes England Under-21 defender Nedum Onuoha.

Onuoha, who joined City's youth set up when he was ten, has just signed a new four-year contract after playing in the European Championships and is excited about the future.

He told City's official website: "I like to think I have been improving game-on-game and season-on-season.

"When I compare myself to two years ago, I think there is a massive difference in my performances.

"It doesn't seem that long since I first signed a deal at the academy but I've spent half of my life with this club now."

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