Portugal manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has been approached by Manchester City to replace Sven-Goran Eriksson, the Brazilian's spokesman confirmed on Tuesday.

Eriksson retains the backing of fans, but City chairman Thaksin Shinawatra is frustrated with the slump after a strong start to the season.

While the English Premier League club has made an official approach to Scolari, negotiations are yet to begin while he focuses on preparing Portugal for the European Championship, spokesman Acaz Fellegger said.

Fellegger said it is possible, but unlikely, that the parties could meet before the June tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

The development is similar to circumstances shortly before the 2006 World Cup when England approached Scolari to replace Eriksson, who had announced he would step down as manager of the national team following Germany.

Scolari ruled out accepting the job before the tournament, and England eventually hired Steve McClaren. Portugal ousted England in the quarterfinals.

Eriksson didn't coach again until he accepted the Manchester City job in July.

But he apparently is resigned to being fired by Thaksin after just one season, despite fans protesting throughout Sunday's 0-1 defeat at Liverpool.

Eriksson admitted that the fans' outcry wouldn't be enough to save his job.

Meanwhile, the club said its tour of Thailand and Hong Kong will go ahead despite reports of a boycott by players.

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily May 8, 2008)