Barca president Joan Gaspart is believed to be losing patience with current boss Louis van Gaal.

And club insiders are said to have revealed that Eriksson is first choice to replace him.

Gaspart was behind the summer appointment of Van Gaal to a second term at Nou Camp.

But, although Barcelona have impressed in the Champions League, they lie eighth in La Liga, eight points behind leaders Real Sociedad.

And they were beaten by third division Novelda in the Copa del Rey.

Now it has been reported that Van Gaal has until the end of the month to turn the team's domestic fortunes around.

And if the Dutchman goes, Eriksson is believed to head Gaspart's short-list of potential replacements.

The former Lazio boss still has two more years to run on his �3m-a-year England contract.

But he has been linked with several high profile jobs, including succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and returning to Italy as coach of the national team.

Increasing difficulties on and off the field have heightened speculation that Eriksson could become disillusioned with the England job.