A TOP Swedish coach, Sven Goran Ericsson, has again dismissed speculation that he was poised to take over as Blackburn's new manager.

"Nobody from Blackburn has been here to talk to me or the club," the Sampdoria coach said yesterday.

Ericsson is rated as one of the most technically astute coaches in Europe and as well as winning a couple of major trophies, he has also been responsible for building a highly respected youth system at Sampdoria.

But he was adamant, in an interview with Radio 5 Live, that he would stay in Italy.

"I am not going anywhere. I am happy here so far," said Ericsson.

"We are doing well in the league and there is no reason why I should leave before half the league is gone."

Blackburn chairman Robert Coar had earlier said: "We will not be drawn into talking about speculation and rumour. Our stance on the issue is unchanged and the managerial situation remains ongoing."

Caretaker manager Tony Parkes has been in charge since the resignation of Ray Harford last month.