FORMER England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has been put forward as a candidate for the Blackburn Rovers job – while bookies favourite Peter Taylor has not been contacted.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands that 15 years after backing out of a deal to become Rovers boss, Eriksson’s name has been forwarded to the club by his representatives as the Ewood outfit continue their search for Henning Berg’s successor on what Shebby Singh says will be initially a short-term contract.

The Swede said he would be interested in the role but was quick to stress no attempt to contact him had been made by Rovers. It is understood Rovers are unlikely to pursue Eriksson either, with owners Venky’s considering numerous other options.

Global advisor Singh said yesterday the club were planning to appoint a manager for six months initially.

He said: “At this moment in time we are looking to offer a short term contract, a Rovers’ reserve team boss Gary Bowyer will continue in temporary charge for Saturday’s FA Cup visit of Bristol City, despite the surprise emergence of Taylor as a favourite for the vacancy.

The former England under 21 boss’ name sprang to the top of the bookmakers list of candidates on Tuesday a six-month contract with specific targets and upon achieving those targets, it will trigger off a longer term contract. So we are looking to reward success and not failure.”

Former England under–21 boss, Taylor, sprang to the top of the bookmakers list of candidates on Tuesday.

Sources close to Taylor said he has received no contact from Rovers and was in the dark about where the link had come from.

Taylor, who declined a director of football role at Plymouth, would be interested in the position but is not believed to be expecting any contact from Rovers.

It is also understood that former Preston boss Billy Davies and ex-Rovers coach Mark Bowen are interested in the job.

Meanwhile Eriksson admitted the vacant managerial role at Rovers would be attractive for anyone.

The 64-year-old agreed to become Rovers boss in 1997 but, after changing his mind for family reasons, he joined Lazio instead.

He has enjoyed spells at Manchester City and Leicester City in England and has recently been doing some temporary work at clubs in Thailand.

He said: “No one from Blackburn has asked me about it but of course Blackburn Rovers are a club I have looked up over the years. It is a very good club and a big club and they belong in the Premier League. It would be a job anyone would be interested in.

“Of course I would like to get back into football and I love English football, whether you are talking about the national job, Premier League football, Championship or even League One and Two.”