According to reports in the British media Thaksin and his board at Manchester City have tired of their Swedish manager after a poor run of results which has left the Premiership side languishing in eighth place.

“Thaksin rang Sven to reprimand him telling him he would be sacked at the end of the season if results did not improve,” a City source told The Guardian.

Eriksson’s team have won only five of the 17 Premier League and FA Cup fixtures this year and before Saturday’s fortunate away win over Sunderland, had won only two of the last 12.

Manchester City’s impressive start to the season seems to have been forgotten by Thaksin as his minimum requirement of a Uefa Cup place now seems a distant dream. Manchester City were however quick to deny reports on Saturday that Eriksson is in line for the sack in the summer.

Eriksson is reported to retain a good reputation in European footballing circles with Benfica, Valencia and Chelsea named as potential suitors.