MAN of mystery Sven Goran Eriksson was today waiting for the phone call from Blackburn Rovers that would seal his future.

The Swede admitted from Sampdoria's training base that a public declaration about his desire to stay in Italy - despite a signed agreement to come to Ewood - was imminent.

Sources in Italy say Rovers have accepted defeat in the chase for his services and are set to demand £500,000 compensation from Eriksson should he go to Lazio.

The Rome club are already believed to have in place a three-year contract with the Swede.

Reports also surfaced in Sweden and Italy today that the Lazio deal amounts to less than Jack Walker's offer.

Eriksson again refused to commit himself fully.

But ,although he hinted strongly that he wants to stay in Italy, the Swede once again left the door tantalisingly open with indications that his mind is still not made up. "I more or less know what my decision is. When it is the right time I will tell everybody what is going to happen.

"It can be construed in a certain way but I can't speak about it.

"Of course it will be in everyone's interests to make an announcement now because it leaves a big question mark for a lot of people.

"I feel sorry for everybody involved but it has been very difficult for me also.

"Blackburn are aware of the situation and I have good contacts with them, very often.

"I am expecting a call from them today," he said.

Eriksson further fuelled belief that his heart lies in Italy by adding: "It is my dream to win the Italian League.

"I have not done so yet in six years here.

"If Sampdoria do it this time it will be the biggest surprise in Italy in 10 or 15 years.

"I will definitely be leaving Sampdoria at the end of the season.

"When you want to move to another club in this country you are not allowed to talk about it.

"My ambition is to win the European Cup and I have come very close to winning it. But in football you cannot go on dreaming."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.