Portsmouth hoping to woo Eriksson

PORTSMOUTH ARE convinced that Sven-Goran Eriksson will still consider succeeding Tony Adams as manager at Fratton Park.

The former England head coach has apparently told friends he is happy in his role as head coach of Mexico, but an executive at Fratton Park said last night that “there is some interest there” from Eriksson, with one possibility being a job share similar to that which Chelsea’s new head coach, Guus Hiddink, has undertaken with the Russia national team.

Having lost an important World Cup qualifier against the United States last week the Swede may privately be under pressure despite declarations of support from the Mexican Football Federation (FMF).

Portsmouth, though, are aware Eriksson’s contract with the FMF means he would receive sizeable compensation – reportedly more than €2.2 million – if he was sacked, so any strong interest from the 61-year-old could be followed by negotiation between the parties.

Uncertainty about who the future owner of the club may be could also affect Eriksson’s thinking. A European buyer is understood to be interested in taking over the club with some reports identifying the party as a consortium led by Ramon Vega.

The former Spurs and Celtic defender, who captained Switzerland and also possesses a finance degree, would have to raise more than €56 million to buy out the owner, Sacha Gaydamak, but “no offer has yet been made” the Fratton Park source confirmed.

Since Gaydamak officially placed Portsmouth on the market before Christmas, supposed interest in a buy-out has included a South African consortium, which fell through due to finance.

Saturday’s 2-0 win over Manchester City, overseen by caretaker manager Paul Hart and his assistant Brian Kidd, has given the club breathing space in the search for Adams’ replacement. But if Eriksson cannot be wooed then it is understood Hart is not a serious contender. As head of the Portsmouth’s youth set-up the club are thought to value his work in identifying and developing players highly enough for him not to leave the role. Avram Grant will almost certainly come into contention should Eriksson decline the position. Other potential candidates include Slaven Bilic, the Croatia coach, though he is not under consideration at the moment.

GuardianService