Beckham wants Sven for United

But only last week Eriksson was lamenting the fact England's next game is not until the new year. He said:'No games between now and February? I've always had that. Maybe it's the only thing I don't like in this job.

'When you're used to seeing players every day, like I have been since 1976, it's quite different to realise that instead of standing on the training ground you're sitting in a plane, a train or your car to reach the next game. But I knew that before I got the job. That's life.'

United have always admired Eriksson. He was known to be on their shortlist of potential targets to follow Ferguson, but initially it was believed his England commitments would rule him out. However, they would quickly seize the opportunity to talk to him if it arose.

United insist Beckham will still sign his new contract before Christmas, despite hints that he wanted assurances over who would be the new manager before doing so.

Moves to line up Eriksson would certainly delight Beckham and United's other England players. Beckham has been quick to praise Eriksson for his coaching techniques and manmanagement style. The relationship between the two has proved successful and the midfielder is obviously mindful of the way the Swede has handled such a high-profile job and how that could fit in with United's requirements.

Last week Beckham said:'My relationship with Mr Eriksson is great. That has been the case since his first game in charge. The players respect him, most of all. He's got massive experience. That's what the team wanted.

'England needed a big manager to come in, someone who had the respect of the players. I'm lucky enough to be working with somebody like that at United. Now I have one as England manager as well.'

Roma coach Fabio Capello, also believed to be in the running to replace Ferguson, feels Beckham is a strong candidate for the 2001 European Player of the Year award.

He said: 'I like Beckham. He has grown a lot as a player.' Despite being mentioned in connection with the Old Trafford job, Capello reaffirmed his commitment to Roma.

He said: 'I'm flattered to be linked with such an important club but now I'm thinking only of Roma.'