Newcastle play down Eriksson link

Eriksson has been linked with a host of European clubs

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has laughed off suggestions that Sven-Goran Eriksson is in line to succeed Glenn Roeder as Magpies manager.

Reports have linked the former England coach with a move to St James' Park.

But Shepherd said: "Any talk of Sven-Goran Eriksson - or anyone else for that matter - coming as manager to here is sheer and utter garbage.

"I have not spoken to Sven since he left the England job and I have no intention of speaking to him."

Eriksson has been out of work since leaving the England manager's job after the World Cup in July and has long been linked with the post.

In October he reacted angrily to reports that he was targeting Newcastle for his return to management, but speculation has continued to surface following the Magpies unconvincing form this season.

Eriksson's assistant Tord Grip was at Monday's 0-0 Premiership draw with Arsenal, although he was on Tyneside as the guest of Gunners vice-chairman David Dein.

And Shepherd added: "I have not spoken to his agent Athole Still nor Tord Grip, and as far as I am aware, they have not approached us.

"In any case if they did, it would not matter a jot because we already have a manager."

Eriksson has also been linked with the manager's posts at Benfica, Marseille, West Ham and Nigeria - all have been denied.