MANCHESTER CITY have identified Luiz Felipe Scolari as the best candidate to be their new manager after Thaksin Shinawatra's ruthless decision to pay off Sven-Goran Eriksson. A network of some of the more powerful agents in the business have already begun the process of luring Scolari to England after he has coached the Portuguese national team in this summer's European Championship.

With Eriksson reluctantly accepting that his three-year contract is being ended after barely 10 months, and with supporters planning protests at Sunday's game at Liverpool, City's trigger-happy owner has insisted he "will find the best solution for the club".

City executives are still hoping to dissuade him but Thaksin did not become the prime minister of Thailand without making tough and unpopular decisions. Eriksson, for one, has given up hope and can expect compensation of €1.25 million.

The Swede was said to be "very unhappy" but he is unlikely to be out of work for long. Benfica is one possible destination but he would rather stay in England and will monitor what happens to Avram Grant at Chelsea. "If the right job comes along in England, Spain, France or Italy, and it's a really good club with a chance of doing something, he will be there," his agent, Athole Still, said last night.

Eriksson's impending departure has dismayed the vast majority of City's supporters as well as the chief executive, Alistair Mackintosh, and the vice-chairman, John Wardle. But Thaksin is unrepentant, insisting City will be better off with Scolari.

Scolari, who came close to succeeding Eriksson as England's head coach two years ago, has already stated he will end his role with the Portuguese football federation after Euro 2008. He is fully aware of City's interest.

City released a brief statement, saying: "Dr Thaksin Shinawatra recently stated that there would be a full review of the club at the end of the season. The situation remains the same."

Guardian Service