Sven-Goran Eriksson considering managing North Korea at 2010 World Cup

Former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is considering a proposal to coach North Korea for the 2010 World Cup finals.
 
The Notts County director of football and his executive chairman Peter Trembling are due to fly to the Far East this week to conclude negotiations that would see Eriksson manage North Korea’s first World Cup appearance in 44 years, reports The Telegraph.
 
Sources close to Eriksson confirmed on Tuesday night that he is heading abroad on business, although they did not know the reason for the trip.
 
Trembling is understood to have been involved in talks with representatives of the Football Association of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The pair will travel to the Far East on what is expected to be an eight-day trip.

In addition to thrashing out details which will see Eriksson take over the national side next summer, talks will encompass the possibility of investment in Qadbak, the investment vehicle that owns County and for which Eriksson acts as an ambassador.

Since assuming his position at Meadow Lane this summer, Eriksson has repeatedly stressed that he not interested in a return to management at present.

He has dismissed talk of replacing the recently sacked Ian McParland at County.

There is some speculation that he might reconsider his position regarding management, when his long-time assistant Tord Grip suggested Eriksson would like to coach Sweden next summer.
 
The Swedish football federation has blocked that avenue for the time being.

North Korea qualified for the World Cup finals in June, after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, but they scored just seven goals in eight games.

Eriksson spent five years as England manager until he was dismissed in 2006, and more recently 10 months as coach of Mexico.