Sven: North Korea’s new Dear (Football) Leader?

The former England coach Sven Goran Eriksson has been associated with many bizarre jobs in recent years, some of which he's even taken. But none matches the latest rumour for sheer weirdness - that he is destined to become manager of the North Korea national team, in time for their first World Cup finals appearance in 44 years.

The football authorities of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are understood to have talked to Peter Trembling, executive chairman at Notts County, the Coca-Cola League Two club were Erikkson became director of football at the start of this season.

It is not clear whether the Dear Leader himself - Kim Jong-il - involves himself in such decisions, or whether some more lowly apparatchik will be ordered to meet with the Swede. But the fact is the Communist nation's squad have somehow qualified for the World Cup finals after drawing 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia - and yet have managed to score only seven goals in eight games. They need help.

An associate of Eriksson has told the Daily Telegraph that he is about to head abroad on business, though they could confirm on what business. It is though he will be travelling with Trembling on a fund-raising trip of the Far East, which will include a stop-off in Pyongyang.

Eriksson has said recently that he has no wish to pull on a tracksuit again - not that he often did during the five years he managed England until his dismissal in 2006 - and wants to stay on the executive side. But there has been speculation that he might return to coaching after his assistant Tord Grip said Eriksson might like to coach Sweden following the expected departure of Lars Lagerback this week, following a poor World Cup qualifying campaign.

One coaching job Eriksson has definitely ruled out is that at Notts County itself. Following the sacking of Ian McParland on Monday, two men - Dave Kevan and Michael Johnson - have been appointed caretaker managers until Eriksson can find a full-time replacement.