Exclusive by Phil McNulty
Chief football writer |
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is "flattered" after being offered a new four-year contract by the Football Association - but no talks on the new deal have been scheduled.
Eriksson's agent Athole Still told the BBC Sport website that the Swede was disappointed the offer had been made public, but was happy his success in guiding England to Euro 2004 has been recognised.
He said: "Sven is flattered by the offer. Anybody would be flattered if their employer came and offered them a contract extension to show a reaction to the success they have had."
The FA wants Eriksson to sign the deal, worth a reported �14m, to take him to the end of the 2008 European Championship.
 |  They have put Eriksson under pressure by making the contract offer |
Still told BBC Sport: "What I have never said is that Sven is angry or furious that this has been made public.
"There has clearly been an unauthorised leak because I'm quite sure the FA wouldn't want to discuss these things in public. I think it was probably forced to because there was a leak.
"All Sven said to me was that he was disappointed it had come out - as simple as that. That was a perfectly reasonably statement to make."
Eriksson has no plans as yet to sit down and discuss the fine detail of the FA's surprise offer.
Still said: "There has been no discussions between Sven and the FA or Sven and myself on this. I haven't a clue when it might happen, but obviously it will in due course.
"Obviously the contract will now be discussed at every Sven news conference, and I think that was the main reason for the initial disappointment."
Still insisted Eriksson was delighted with England's progress on the field and that he had a good relationship with the FA - despite recent controversies surrounding Rio Ferdinand and Alan Smith.
He told this website: "He is absolutely delighted with the way the England team's performing, but as usual people want to kick up a fuss over this latest development.
"I think his relationship with the FA is very good. Chief executive Mark Palios is very new and I don't think Sven knows him particularly well yet, but he gets on extremely well with people at the FA, particularly David Davies."
Since Roman Abramovich's takeover at Stamford Bridge, Eriksson has been linked with a move back into club management with Chelsea.
That speculation increased prior to England's 3-2 defeat by Denmark earlier this month, when Eriksson criticised the FA over their handling of Leeds striker Smith.
"Sven is England's most successful coach since the legendary Sir Alf Ramsey," Palios said on Thursday.
"He has already contributed enormously to the reputation of England in Europe and around the world.
"This offer shows the faith we all have in him."
The appointment of Trevor Brooking as the FA's director of football development is seen in some quarters as cover for England if they are ever between coaches.
MMIX
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"The FA has put Sven-Goran Eriksson under pressure"