Sven Goran Eriksson has thrown cold water on his chances of becoming the new manager of Fulham football club.

It is expected that an announcement would be made by the Premiership club this Saturday before the team head off to Sweden for a pre season tour. The smart money is still on the former England coach - Fulham Chairman Alistair Mackintosh knows the Swede from their time together at Manchester City.

However, Erikson is currently manager of the Ivory Coast and has revealed he's mulling over a new contract with the Elephants. Eriksson told Swedish broadcaster SVT:

"I do not know, honestly. I do not think Fulham have decided what they want to do.

They (Ivory Coast) were really pleased (with the team's efforts in the World Cup) and I guess that I can stay on if I want to. If so, it will be for four years until the next World Cup finals.

I'll make up my mind in a week or so. I have to do it soon since there are friendlies in August and qualifications for the Africa Cup of Nations in September and October."

Also putting the breaks on a possible move to the West London side is Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld who today ruled himself out of the running. The 61-year-old saying:

"I've now got another two years in Switzerland – and they will be my last two years in management."

Yesterday a representative of former Siena manager Alberto Malesani, Michele Ruggiero, revealed that Fulham are interested.

Erikson is still the bookies favourite. Ladbrokes were offering 8/11 before the latest comments emerged, he can now be backed at 6/4 - outsider Gianfranco Zola stands at 16/1.

Three man shortlist

The former favourite to become manager of Fulham football club was ruled out of the running. Ex Manchester City and Wales manager Mark Hughes failed to make the three man shortlist to succeed the departed Roy Hodgson.

The three are believed to be: Sven-Goran Eriksson, the bookies new favourite. Slaven Bilic, who ruled himself out of the role in 2007 and former Tottenham striker and Germany coach, Jurgen Klinsmann.
 
USA manager Bob Bradley and Slaven Bilic are the dark horses.

Glenn Hoddle, Mark Hughes, Tony Mowbray, Alan Curbishley and Gianfranco Zola are thought to be out.

Ray Lewington, the caretaker since Hodgson left for to Liverpool, is taking charge of the sides friendly’s.

Whites legend rules himself out

Cardiff chief Dave Jones and former Fulham hero playing legend Lee Clark, who is the 6/4 favourite on one set of odds, also miss out, along with a string of big names that was 20-strong and rising at the last count.

Clark had to publicly deny an approach from the South London side. Clark who currently manages Huddersfield Town played over 170 games for the Whites.

Here's how the bookies see it:

Sven Goran Eriksson  8/11
Ottmar Hitzfeld  3/1
Bob Bradley  6/1
Alan Curbishley  7/1
Slaven Bilic  7/1
Dave Jones  7/1
Stuart Baxter  7/1
Mark Hughes  12/1
Lee Clark  14/1
Gianfranco Zola  16/1
Roberto Di Matteo  16/1