Eriksson in talks with Benfica

Benfica has offered the current Manchester City coach a three-year contract with an annual salary of 2.29 million euro (3.52 million dollar) it is reported.

 The Swede had hoped to keep the talks secret but a Portuguese television crew was tipped off and filmed Benfica's president Luis Filipe Vieira leaving a Manchester hotel, where Eriksson was also said to be staying.

 "I've had a meeting with the Benfica people. I'm considering the offer and it could be a step forward in my career," Eriksson is quoted as saying.

 In two previous stints as Benfica coach Eriksson won three Portuguese championships. He also took the club to the European Champions' Cup final, as well as the UEFA Cup final.

 Eriksson is widely expected to be fired by Manchester City at the end of the season.

 The club's boss, former Thailand President Thaksin Shinawatra is said to have offered Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Portugal national team manager, a 4.07 million-euro-year deal to take over after next month's European Championship, according to the Guardian.