ROY HODGSON has been approached about the vacant England manager's job, FA chiefs confirmed last night.
West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace has granted permission for the FA to hold talks with their 64-year-old manager, and Hodgson has already had a conversation with FA chairman David Bernstein.
No approach has been made to Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, who had been viewed as the favourite to succeed Fabio Capello.
Bernstein said: "I'm grateful to Jeremy and all at West Bromwich Albion for their co-operation in allowing us to approach Roy, who I have since spoken with.
"Roy is the only manager we have approached and we remain on course to make an appointment within the timescale we set out soon after Fabio Capello's departure.
"Further conversations will now take place with Roy and my Club England colleagues before any further announcements can be made."
Hodgson is out of contract in the summer – meaning the FA would not have to pay any costly compensation or become involved in any wrangling with the club.
That is in contrast to the situation at Spurs who would expect hefty compensation were the FA to approach them about Redknapp.
Hodgson has coached the Switzerland and Finland national teams with considerable success in the past. He has also been extraordinarily successful on limited resources at West Brom.