The former England manager, currently Notts County's director of football, was approached by the North Korean FA but Press Association Sport understands he has decided against taking up the offer.

Notts County's chairman Peter Trembling denied the club had been approached.

He said: "We wish to make it clear that Notts County have not received any approach nor had any discussions whatsoever with the North Korean FA in relation to Sven-Goran Eriksson becoming an interim manager of their national team.

"Sven is concentrating all his efforts and is totally focussed on the appointment of our new manager in succession to Ian McParland.

"It is correct that I am making a business trip to Asia but this is solely and exclusively on official Notts County business.

"I will be visiting Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and Thailand to discuss a range of Notts County initiatives linked to our 150th anniversary."

North Korea have qualified for the finals for the first time since they played in England in 1966.

Eriksson last international job was as head coach of Mexico but the Swede was sacked earlier this year after a run of poor results.