Koeman rules out City move

RONALD KOEMAN’S agent has confirmed the PSV Eindhoven boss is “not at all interested” in taking over at Manchester City.

Reports have linked the former Holland and Barcelona star with the vacancy at Eastlands following the sacking of Stuart Pearce on Monday. But Koeman’s agent, Ger Lagendijk, said: “I have spoken with Ronald about the stories regarding Manchester City. But I want to stress that I wasn’t called by Manchester City myself.

“It’s all British media hype. Ronald told me that even if he could earn 10 times more than at PSV he will not leave the club. He will not be at Manchester City next season.”

Koeman recently led PSV to their third successive Eredivisie title, but a major slump in form hampered their challenge following the winter break and also led to speculation he would be leaving the club in the summer.

Lagendijk admitted Koeman recently held talks over his future with PSV directors and other interested parties, but opted to remain at the Philips Stadion after the Eindhoven club made it clear they wanted him to see out his contract which expires next summer.

“I can tell you in all honesty that we never spoke with any club in the Premier League after Koeman told the Dutch media and PSV that he would stay as coach for next season,” added Lagendijk.

Two more of City’s reported targets, Louis van Gaal and Gerard Houllier, were also ruled out of the running. A spokesman for AZ Alkmaar, Van Gaal’s club, said: “Louis has just renewed his contract and he will not go to Manchester City.

Lyon announced that Houllier will not be leaving for either City or Dynamo Kiev, with whom he was linked in the French media.

“Gerard Houllier formally denies the information which appeared this morning in daily newspaper Le Parisien,” read the statement.

“Lyon are surprised at the publication of such claims and repeats that Gerard Houllier will next year be the coach of Lyon, with whom he is under contract until June 2008.”