Source: Telegraph
Avram Grant's stock low with Portsmouth players
Grant had emerged as front-runner to replace Tony Adams, who was sacked on Sunday, but senior team members, thought to include David James and Peter Crouch, who played under Eriksson at international level, are understood to have made a case for Swede's appointment.[LNB]As Alexandre Gaydamak, the club's owner, is currently attempting to sell the club, it was thought unlikely that he would want to pay the sort of salary that Eriksson would likely demand, however the Russian knows his hopes to sell the club rest on staying in the Premier League. To ensure their safety, he said to be willing to pay Eriksson £2m a year, plus a £1m bonus if he keeps Portsmouth in the top flight.[LNB]According to his representative, Portsmouth have as yet made no attempt to approach Eriksson, now coach of the Mexican national side. However, reports suggest that the club will contact the Mexican Football Association this afternoon to request permission to speak with the former Manchester City manager.[LNB]Portsmouth will have to wait. Eriksson will be 'incommunicado' until after Mexico have played the United States in their opening match of the final group stage of World Cup qualifying, Athole Still, his agent, told The Telegraph.[LNB]But with his position at Mexico is shaky at present, having lost to Honduras and Jamaica in the previous round, Eriksson would be in a good position to consider an offer. He was expected to be sacked if Mexico lose to the USA, but the Mexican FA will now wait until Eriksson has spoken to Gaydamak so as to avoid paying compensation over the remainder of his contract. [LNB]
