West Bromwich coach Roy Hodgson could be next England manager

London, Apr 30 (ANI): West Bromwich Albion head coach Roy Hodgson is set to be named as England's new manager after the Football Association (FA) was granted permission to negotiate with him.

"I'm grateful to [the chairman] Jeremy Peace, and all at West Bromwich Albion for their co-operation in allowing us to approach Roy, whom I have since spoken with," The Guardian quoted FA Chairman, David Bernstein, as saying.

Formal talks will take place between Hodgson and Bernstein on Monday.

Initially, Tottenham Hotspur manager Redknapp was preferred to fill up the position vacated by Fabio Capello in February.

However, the FA clarified that no other candidates had been approached and Hodgson's was the only name on their shortlist. Negotiations over his contract will be discussed eventually.

"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," Bernstein clarified.

West Bromwich Chairman, Peace backed FA's decision by saying, "Roy has done a fantastic job over the past 15 months and the fact the FA want to discuss the England role with him is testament to that. Roy is a proud Englishman and we can understand why he wants to speak to the FA about this highly prestigious managerial position." (ANI)