Whispers that Thaksin Shinawatra has grown unhappy with the Swede's work have been heard around Manchester for the past few weeks, but the Sunday Times claims that their relationship has now reached breaking point.
The newspaper reports that the club have 'lost confidence' in Eriksson and their billionaire owner 'has been unimpressed by the performances of most of the players for whom he paid more than £50m and wants to change managers before committing another £30m in the close season.'
Although The Observer's report on the unrest at City isn't as categorical, it nonetheless depicts the prospect of Eriksson of leaving as a probability rather than a possibility. The newspaper cites 'a source familiar with City's politics' revealing that "Thaksin rang Sven to reprimand him, telling him he would be sacked at the end of the season if results did not improve."
'It is further understood that agents attempting to negotiate deals with City in recent weeks have been told not to factor Eriksson into their equations because the club does not necessarily expect the manager they appointed last summer to be present for a second season at there,' the newspaer adds.
Both the Observer and Times agree that, should Eriksson depart, City's first choice would be Scolari.