Metsu holds out for more money from South Koreans

In-demand former Senegal coach Bruno Metsu confirmed that he was interested in a move to South Korea but said that agreement has still to be reached on his salary.

In-demand former Senegal coach Bruno Metsu confirmed that he was interested in a move to South Korea but said that agreement has still to be reached on his salary.

His confirmation comes after Korea Football Association (KFA) officals told AFP that they were in talks with the Frenchman, who led the African country to the last eight of the World Cup in 2002.

But Metsu said that while he was interested in replacing Portugal's Humberto Coelho who stepped down from the Korea job last month after a string of poor results, some details had yet to be ironed out.

"I have not yet signed any contract," Metsu, who is under contract with Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates until 2006, told AFP.

"The Korean Federation contacted me six weeks ago and proposed that I coach the national team. I have no problem taking over but I have my conditions.

"No final agreement has been reached because there are financial differences that we have to sort out beforehand," said Metsu.

Metsu said that he intends travelling to Doha on Monday to continue negotiations with Qatar's Al-Ittihad club, who are reported to be offering a million dollar annual contract to the Frenchman.

KFA spokesman Song Ki-Ryong explained: "Metsu was selected as our national team coach, although we have yet to complete negotiations on his contract."

The departure of Coelho, who took over from popular Dutchman Guus Hiddink, followed South Korea's goalless draw with lowly Maldives on March 31 and defeats to Oman and Vietnam earlier in the year.

Under Coelho, South Korea played 18 matches, winning nine, drawing three and losing six.