FIFA, Blatter in secret talks about president\\\'s future

Secret talks between Fifa officials and Sepp Blatter have taken place over his future as the president of football's world governing body, BBC Sport has learned.

The discussions, involving representatives from a number of football confederations, are understood to have started in October 2013, at the celebrations for the English Football Association's 150th anniversary.

Blatter has since confirmed his intention to stand in May's presidential election and seek a fifth term of office.

However, with the 29 January deadline looming for candidates to declare their interest, there is mounting concern amongst several Fifa executives over the governing body's future direction and leadership.