Sven-Goran Eriksson ruled himself out of the running for the vacant manager's job at Manchester City although he has hinted at a return to management in England.

The former England boss has not worked since the national team's exit at the hands of Portugal in a penalty shoot-out in the quarter-final of last summer's World Cup.

The Manchester City role became vacant last week when previous incumbent Stuart Pearce was sacked after a disappointing season which saw the Eastlands club set an unwanted record after scoring just 10 goals at home.

However, the Swede — while implying he could be a Premiership boss next season - appeared to rule out City.

When asked if was a candidate for the Blues job, Eriksson said: "No, I'm interested to have a good football team next season. There are other teams."

He also insisted the club had not been in touch, saying: "They haven't phoned so....."

The 59-year-old, though, refused to be drawn on the identity of the clubs who he may manage. He said: "I can't tell you that. Hopefully you will know it soon because if I'm going to take a job for next season it will happen in two or three weeks' time. Otherwise it is too late."

Eriksson - who enjoyed success at Gothenburg, Benfica and Lazio - refused to confirm whether he was currently considering a job offer, saying: "I can't tell you."

Eriksson also denied he was greedy for continuing to accept money from the Football Association despite having left his role almost a year ago.

"I had a contract until 2008," Eriksson continued. "I was sacked. If I had been greedy I would have asked for money until 2008 — it would have been fair. I agreed to have six months fully paid and six months half paid. So I think I was good value for the FA."