Former FA chief David Davies has sensationally revealed ex-England boss Sven Goran Eriksson was keen to cap foreigner stars like Everton striker Louis Saha and Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.

In his book 'F.A. CONFIDENTIAL: SEX, DRUGS AND PENALTIES - THE INSIDE STORY OF ENGLISH FOOTBALL', Davies wrote: "FIFA had opened a small window of opportunity allowing countries to register players born elsewhere but who had lived a certain amount of time on these shores.

"'I like Carlo Cudicini,' Sven told me, an opinion which led to very serious consideration being given within Soho Square to recruiting Chelsea's Italian keeper. However, our goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence was particularly concerned, insisting to Sven it would destroy our keepers.

"'Can you also find out about Steed Malbranque, Edu and Louis Saha?' Sven asked me. I wasn't sure what the public reaction would be to an Italian, a Brazilian and two Frenchmen coming into the squad, but I did Sven's bidding.

"However, all my discreet enquiries to clubs and agents led to nothing. Miraculously, the moment our interest became known, Saha and Edu were called up by their own nations, making them ineligible."