Eriksson interested in Ivory Coast role

Eriksson recently parted ways with Notts County (AFP / GETTY IMAGES)

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson would relish the opportunity to coach Ivory Coast at this summer's World Cup finals but admits no deal is yet in place.

The Ivorians are still searching for a coach after dismissing Vahid Halilhodzic shortly after the African Nations Cup earlier this year.

Former Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster yesterday claimed he was on the verge of accepting an offer to coach the Elephants, but Eriksson remains very much in the frame and would love to be given the reins after leading England at the 2002 and 2006 finals.

The 62-year-old Swede told the Svenska Dagbladet newspaper: "It would be great to sit on a bench at (another) World Cup, definitely, but I have not received any confirmation.

"The phone is hot here. We'll see what happens. I have not received any confirmation yet anyway."

He added: "The World Cup is the world's biggest sporting event, a great festival of football for a month. It is incredible to be part of it, as a player and as a coach."

The former Mexico boss believes 2002 world champions Brazil and reigning European champions Spain will be the two teams to beat in South Africa.

"I have two big favourites - Brazil and Spain," he said. "On paper they look strong out both.

Asked then about Ivory Coast, he replied: "We must wait and see."