No approach for Sven – County

Notts County have dismissed stories suggesting Sven-Goran Eriksson has been offered the chance to take up a role with North Korea for the World Cup.

Reports on Wednesday claimed Eriksson had been approached by the country’s Football Association about becoming their coach for the tournament.

It was alleged that Eriksson was about to travel to Beijing this week with Notts County executive chairman Peter Trembling.

The Swede, currently director of football at Meadow Lane, would then meet with North Korea officials while also doing other business in China.

The job with North Korea was reported to have been a temporary post to run concurrently with his position at Notts County.

However, Trembling has issued a statement saying Eriksson is concentrating solely on appointing a new manager to replace Ian McParland.

“We wish to make it clear that Notts County have not received any approach nor had any discussions whatsoever with the North Korean FA in relation to Sven Goran Eriksson becoming an interim manager of their national team,” Trembling told the League Two club’s official website.

“It is correct that I am making a business trip to Asia but this is solely and exclusively on official Notts County business.

“I will be visiting Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and Thailand to discuss a range of initiatives linked to our 150th anniversary – Project 2012.

“Sven is concentrating all his efforts and is totally focused on the appointment of our new manager in succession to Ian McParland.”