ROY HODGSON HAS been given permission by West Brom to speak to the Football Association regarding the vacant England managerial job.

FA chairman David Bernstein revealed the news in a statement on the governing body’s official website on Sunday, adding that the West Brom manager is the only candidate that has been approached so far.

Hodgson’s current deal at the Hawthorns is up for renewal at the end of the season.

In the statement, Bernstein said: “I’m grateful to Jeremy [Peace, West Brom chairman] 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 has experience managing at international level after spells with Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and Finland.

A West Brom statement said their negotiations with Hodgson regarding an extension to his deal are underway, but the manager was keen to hear the FA’s proposal.

“West Bromwich Albion have today received an official approach from the Football Association to speak to head coach Roy Hodgson about the England manager’s post,” the statement read.

The club are currently in negotiations with Roy about a new contract – his current deal ends on June 30 – and remain very keen to bring these talks to a successful conclusion.

However, Roy has expressed a desire to explore this opportunity and, accordingly, the club have granted him permission to speak to the FA.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, who was the favourite to take up the post, is yet to be approached.

Open thread: how do you think tonight’s crucial Manchester derby will go?

United v City: Win this and be forever remembered