Man City lining up Eriksson

Thaksin Shinawatra hopes to have a new Manchester City manager in place inside the next week — and admits he has spoken to Sven-Goran Eriksson.

The former England coach would appear to be the front-runner now Shinawatra has a controlling interest in the club. Shinawatra today made a formal offer and the board have recommended shareholders to accept it.

The former Thai prime minister has been pledged a 55.9 per cent stake through irrevocable undertakings — shares owned by members of the board and former chairman Francis Lee.

His first task is to appoint a new manager, through recommendations from his advisors, and headway is being made.

Shinawatra said: "I have advisors working on the new manager and they inform me from time to time — I leave this to my professionals. Sven-Goran Eriksson is one of the names that my advisor told me about. He has a very good reputation and he is a very capable coach.

"I've met him once — probably last week maybe. I had my advisor talk to him and just say hello and touch base. I didn't talk to him (Eriksson) that long because my advisor did that interview."

It is understood Shinawatra and his team would like the new man in place before the players return to training at the beginning of July.

That way the coach and the players can hit the ground running and enjoy a full pre-season together.

Shinawatra said: "Nobody's perfect but as long as he can do the job and likes the job and is fit for it, and my advisors say this is the man, then I'll support it.

"I can't say anything until next week. I hope to have a manager. After I have more than 75% I can decide on many important issues."