It was anticipated Paul Hart would be handed a long-term deal after steering the club clear of relegation during his caretaker spell in charge from February.

But that was before a takeover by Arabian property tycoon Sulaiman Al Fahim was announced on Wednesday, suggesting Pompey may now go for a high-profile appointment able to attract big-name players.

Eriksson's agent, Athole Still, has made it clear his man is ready to return to club football, and the Premier League in particular.

The former England and Manchester City boss was linked with Pompey in February after Tony Adams' departure, but at that time was under contract with Mexico.

However, Eriksson was sacked a month later due to a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign, with a 3-1 loss to Honduras proving the last straw.

Now out of work, Still said: "He is looking forward to getting back into club management and wants to be back in the Premier League.

"It (Portsmouth) is a club with money and a club that looks like it will have ambition, which is very important to any top manager.

"Of course it would be a club that interests him."

Still added: "Sven was interested before when Portsmouth were looking for a replacement for Tony Adams.

"All that I would say at the moment is he has an interest in coming back to the Premier League, and has an interest in being involved with any club that has genuine ambitions.

"He wants to be back in the game within weeks rather than months, and has offers on the table at home and abroad.

"At this moment in time, there has been no official approach from Portsmouth, though."

Al Fahim is due to complete his takeover in a few weeks following a period of formal financial and legal due diligence.