Sven 'flattered' by United link

Sven-Goran Eriksson admits he is flattered by speculation that he will succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager.

But England's Swedish coach insists he has had no contact with the Premiership champions over the post which will be vacant when Ferguson retires at the end of the season.

Eriksson is reportedly being courted to take over at Old Trafford after this summer's World Cup finals in Japan and Korea.

However, when asked about his future by Swedish newspaper Sportbladet in London at promotional gathering for tourism in Sweden, Eriksson said: "It's an honour to be linked with the job at such a famous club as Manchester United.

"But to be honest, no-one from the club has talked to me or asked me about that."

Eriksson has previously admitted that the one downside to his current post is his lack of day-to-day involvement with players, but he has never publicly indicated any desire for an imminent return to club football.

Indeed, with almost five years left on his England contract, he has maintained that his focus is purely on taking the national side to the World Cup finals.

When he was asked about the Old Trafford post in September, before England played Albania, Eriksson was unequivocal about his future plans as he insisted: "I have never thought about Manchester United.

"I have never heard about the job. I am happy where I am, extremely happy. There is no chance at all of me going to Manchester United."

While United have never confirmed interest in any potential candidate to succeed Ferguson, some leading figures at Old Trafford are said to hope that Eriksson can be persuaded to leave England after the tournament.

But the FA are determined to hang on to their prize asset, with chief executive Adam Crozier insisting last weekend amid rumours of United's interest that "even if we win the World Cup, Sven will not be going".

Crozier added: "We want him at the helm for the 2006 World Cup and even beyond."