Sven-Goran Eriksson could be ready to save the English FA 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 a week since he left the post in the aftermath of England's 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.
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".
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez has said he is likely to step down from the role after the current European Championship campaign. Sanchez was close to quitting the job in September before being coaxed to remain at the helm.
However, Sanchez remains keen to get back into club management. "The likelihood is that whenever the campaign finishes, I need to be looking forward to my next job," said Sanchez.
"In the meantime, the IFA (Irish Football Association) are in agreement with me, that if a job comes up that interests me and would allow me to continue with Northern Ireland, then I would be given permission to speak to the relevant club."
