The News of the World said Eriksson would then be prepared to become manager of Aston Villa as part of a takeover bid.

During a dinner at a seven-star hotel in Dubai, the paper said Eriksson, 57, when asked if he could be prised away from England to theoretically run Aston Villa, simply laughed.

The reporter said: "But you're not allowed to do two jobs, are you?"

To which Eriksson replied: "No, but everything is possible. But only at the end of the season. After five and a half years... it's a long time to be England manager."

He later added: "Anyway if I win the World Cup, I will leave, goodbye."

Eriksson is also said to have suggested he could persuade England captain David Beckham to return to the Premiership from Real Madrid.

"Beckham and I, we have a relationship like that (he crossed his fingers). We are friends, but a lot of respect.

"He will come back tomorrow. And it's up to me to convince him that this is the right place to be."

Eriksson also made reference to England striker Michael Owen, who joined Newcastle in a 17 million pounds transfer from Madrid in August after a deal could not be struck with his former club Liverpool.

"I asked him if he was happy. He said 'not really with the club'."

He also allegedly revealed details of his salary and appeared to indicate that were he to take over at Villa he would want to be paid in line with Jose Mourinho, manager of English champions and leaders Chelsea.