Sven-Goran Eriksson could be ready to save the Football Association almost £500,000 by signing up for a new managerial job in the next fortnight. The development coincides with a halving of the former England manager's salary under the terms of his pay-off. Eriksson has been earning £14,000 per week since he left the post in the aftermath of England's disappointing World Cup quarter-final exit, but that weekly sum is due to be slashed to £7,000 after next month's pay packet.
Nevertheless, with interest emanating from the French league's two traditionally biggest clubs - Marseille and Paris St-Germain - and from the Qatari league, Eriksson looks set to ease the remaining burden on FA budgets. No compensation is payable once he accepts a new job.
No deals have yet been concluded but the Swede's agent Athole Still confirmed yesterday that he expected something to be finalised "quite soon" in a role commensurate with his "status" and what would be "the right kind of challenge".
Eriksson is understood to be intrigued by the prospect of awakening one of Europe's traditional sporting giants and is aware of the funding boost a recent Canal Plus broadcast deal has given the French league, one that is comparable with the Premiership's TV incomes.
Wah... Sing $ 20,000 per week for staying at home... I also want...