FA 'made Eriksson approach'

Alan Nixon
Saturday 28 October 2000 00:00 BST
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Sven Goran Eriksson has been approached about the vacant England manager's job, according to his assistant at Lazio, Tord Grip.

Sven Goran Eriksson has been approached about the vacant England manager's job, according to his assistant at Lazio, Tord Grip.

A day after Eriksson denied that he had been in contact with the Football Association about the post, Grip told a Swedish newspaper: "The English have contacted him to ask if he is interested in taking the job but, as far as I know, there are some other people who have also been asked."

Grip also insisted that England would have to be patient if they were serious about tempting Eriksson, the Lazio coach, to replace Kevin Keegan. "He has said he is very flattered by receiving this offer, but his contract with Lazio runs until the end of the season so he'll probably not move anywhere before that."

Colin Todd's proposed move to Derby County as assistant manager to Jim Smith took a new turn yesterday. Swindon Town claim Todd is still their manager and have asked him to take a few days leave "to allow the matter to resolve itself". Swindon have already refused an offer of compensation.

Smith was hoping that Todd would be at his side for the game against Leicester City today as the 51-year-old former England defender has already agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Rams.

Titi Camara has asked Liverpool for a transfer. The Guinea-born striker is hoping his plans to leave Anfield will not suffer the same fate as a proposed move to Manchester City last summer which failed to materialise after Liverpool put a £6m price tag on him.

Camara, left out of the midweek side which played Slovan Liberec in the Uefa Cup, wants Liverpool to sell him for around £3m or put him out on loan. Perugia want to take Camara to Italy, but the player has said that he hopes to continue his career in England.

Portugal's Abel Xavier could be leaving Everton to sign for Benfica. The defender, who will be in Walter Smith's side for the Merseyside derby tomorrow, said he has been approached by the Lisbon club. "I can confirm that I've been in contact with somebody from Benfica," he said. "They have shown their interest in me. There has been a lot of talk in the past but this time it is for real, it is official. I am happy at Everton but I have always said I would like to go back home to Portugal one day - and now possibly soon."

Abel Xavier signed for Everton a year ago but has often hinted at being unsettled in England.

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