Stockholm  - Swedish coach Hans Backe, mentioned in speculation for the vacant position as Sweden coach, has likely dropped out of the race, reports said Monday.

"I feel more comfortable coaching a club," Backe, 57, was quoted as telling the online football site fotbollskanalen. se.

The website reported that Backe was heading to England on Monday for talks with Notts County where compatriot Sven-Goran Eriksson is director of football.

The duo worked together during Eriksson's stints as manager for Mexico as well as Premier League side Manchester City.

Eriksson, the former England coach, has earlier said he was not in contention for the Sweden position due to his obligation to lowly Notts County.

Meanwhile, Lars-Ake Lagrell, president of the Swedish Football Association, was reportedly in neighbouring Norway for a meeting with Erik Hamren, who coaches Rosenborg of Trondheim.

Lagrell said according to the online edition of the Expressen newspaper that the two were going to have chat for a few hours, but "we will not settle anything now."

Hamren has had good results in the Danish and Swedish leagues.

The search for a new coach began after Lars Lagerback stepped down two weeks ago when Sweden failed to qualify for 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Lagerback led Sweden to five international championships.(dpa)