The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) still harbours hopes of V. Sundramoorthy leading the LionsXII and the national Under-23 side at the upcoming SEA Games.

The Straits Times had reported on Thursday that the former national striker will helm Negeri Sembilan from November after agreeing a two-year, double-your-money deal with the Malaysian club.

In a statement to ST, an FAS spokesman said: "While it is not our policy to reveal any details of the individual remuneration packages of our employees, it suffices to say we had earlier offered coach Sundram a competitive and attractive package, and that we would like to retain his services for the SEA Games 2013 and beyond.

"Coach Sundram has informed FAS that he will revert next week."