Eriksson could coach North Korea, media says

• Source: Global Times
• [01:23 October 15 2009]
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Sven Goran Eriksson

Former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson is flying to Asia this week for final talks to take charge of North Korea for the 2010 World Cup, British media reported Wednesday.

The 61-year-old Swede, who twice led England in the tournament during his five years as national manager, was to meet North Korean soccer chiefs in Beijing, The Guardian said.

Eriksson, now Notts County football director, was to travel with the club's executive chairman Peter Trembling, the daily said.

Trembling had already been involved in talks with intermediaries representing the Football Association of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea about loaning Eriksson.

"The process is now advanced enough for Trembling and Eriksson to be traveling to Beijing later this week on an eight-day trip," The Guardian said.

North Korea's embassy in London, meanwhile, suggested an announcement could be made in "two or three weeks," the paper added.

Now County are prepared to negotiate a deal, according to the Times of London, describing the move as "bewildering."