Bilic contract cools City link
30 Apr 2008 - 12:10:29
Potential managerial target Slaven Bilic appears to have ruled out a move to Manchester City after agreeing a new two-year contract with Croatia.
The highly-rated coach was expected to end his reign as Croatia boss after this summer's European Championship with several reports linking him with the Citizens.
Current City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is expected to be relieved of his duties at the end of the season despite a successful first year at the helm of the club.
The former England head coach held talks with unhappy owner Thaksin Shinawatra over the weekend.
However, Bilic now appears to have pledged his immediate future to international management with a new contract which will run until the 2010 World Cup.
"The coach's salary will have a fixed value but additional rewards will depend on his team's successes," national federation vice-president Ivan Brlekovic told Croatian media.
Bilic, 39, made his name as a tenacious defender with Everton and West Ham United prior to taking his first management role with the Croatia national team two years ago.