BENFICA ADMIT ERIKSSON DEFEAT

Eriksson - future unclear.

Benifca have given up on their attempts to lure Sven-Goran Eriksson back to the club.

With the Swede looking increasingly likely to depart his post at Manchester City, the Portuguese giants had hoped to hand him the reins.

However, the Eagles' sporting director Manuel Rui Costa admits the saga has dragged on for too long and the club must now begin to look elsewhere for a suitable candidate.

"Because the uncertainty over his professional situation is still ongoing we can't wait any longer," he said.

"We will now start looking at other options.

"We now consider this option closed."

Benfica have been searching for a new coach since Jose Antonio Camacho quit in March, and had singled out Eriksson as the ideal replacement as a result of the success he enjoyed during his two previous spells at the club.

They had hoped to take advantage of the mounting tension between the former England boss and City owner Thaksin Shinawatra, but have now been forced to accept defeat in their efforts.

Eriksson is still held in high regard with the Lisbon-based club after he led them to three league titles, a Portuguese Cup and a runners-up spot in both the UEFA Cup and the European Cup in two stints.