FA chairman David Bernstein has revealed that the governing body have approached West Brom boss Roy Hodgson to be become the next England manager.

The Three Lions have been without a permanent boss since Fabio Capello's resignation earlier in the year, and the FA have adopted a patient approach.

Harry Redknapp has been the overwhelming favourite for the job, but Bernstein has confirmed that Hodgson is the only candidate to be contacted in regards to the position.

"I'm grateful to (West Brom chairman) Jeremy Pearce and all at West Bromwich Albion for their co-operation in allowing us to approach Roy, who I have since spoken with," he told Sky Sports.

"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," he concluded.

Baggies supremo Pearce has stated that he understands why the FA have contacted Hodgson for the role but wants to keep the coach at the Hawthorns.

“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,” he told the West Brom official website.

"Roy is a proud Englishman and we can understand why he wants to speak to the FA about this highly-prestigious managerial position.

"However, we have emphasised to Roy how much we would like him to remain as our head coach and continue his major contribution to our project at The Hawthorns as we look to establish ourselves as a Barclays Premier League club.

"Everyone here has an excellent working relationship with him and he is immensely popular with our supporters," he confessed.

By Gareth McKnight

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