Eriksson interviewed for Villa vacancy

According to Soccernet  a meeting with Eriksson, who was also under consideration by Fulham before the appointment of Mark Hughes, took place in London this week, although Athole Still, the Swede's representative, refused to confirm or deny the negotiations, saying: "I am unable to discuss whether or not Sven has met with Villa."

Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner has conducted a 'beauty parade' of potential candidates over the past few days, with Alan Curbishley, Ronald Koeman, Gianfranco Zola and Gerard Houllier also on the shortlist, but it appears that Eriksson is the top target.

Eriksson managed the Ivory Coast during the World Cup but turned down a more prolonged role with their national side and now craves another crack at the Premier League after an unconvincing spell with Manchester City in 2007-08.