Thaksin has Eriksson alternatives

Three other candidates are on the shortlist of Manchester City’s prospective new owner Thaksin Shinawatra should former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson opt not to take the job.

Eriksson is the former Thai Prime Minister’s first choice to succeed Stuart Pearce should his £81.6m takeover bid succeed at Eastlands.

However, other options are in place should the 59-year-old Swede choose not to make a return to management.

“When you are interviewing for any job there are two uncertainties; one is who exactly who you want and whether the people you want want you,” said executive chairman of Seymour Pierce Investment Bank Keith Harris, the man brokering the deal for Thaksin.

“It is for Sven to look at the opportunities which present themselves to him.

“I think with some certainty a decision will be made next week.

“Three other managers are on the shortlist. We have tried desperately hard to keep these things private and confidential as it is not fair on the individuals.”

Two managers who have already been linked with the vacancy are Sevilla coach Juande Ramos and former Porto and AZ Alkmaar boss Co Adriaanse.

Harris also dismissed concerns over corruption charges laid against Thaksin, ousted by a military coup, in his homeland.

“These charges are being prosecuted by an unelected military regime and we all know they are politically motivated,” he told BBC Radio Five Live.

“We have done a lot of research. We are absolutely satisfied and the Thai Central Bank gave their blessing for the transfer of monies to effect the takeover and that money has been in my client’s bank account for some time now.

“It is sufficient to be able to finance the takeover and, equally significant we think, in a sensible budget, to provide funds for the manager.”