Wednesday 13 July 2016 17:35, UK
Sunderland have called for a quick resolution after Sam Allardyce was interviewed for the England job at the home of FA vice-chairman David Gill on Tuesday.
Allardyce flew back to the UK from Sunderland's pre-season training camp in Austria, and met with Gill, FA technical director Dan Ashworth and chief executive Martin Glenn.
The 61-year-old left Sunderland in a tracksuit on Tuesday lunchtime and was later seen entering and leaving Gill's Cheshire home via a chauffeur-driven Mercedes.
Sunderland have confirmed Allardyce was given permission to speak to the FA by the club over the England position, although Sky Sports News HQ understands owner Ellis Short is furious with the FA's approach for his manager.
Short is believed to have already begun considering a replacement for Allardyce and is an admirer of Burnley boss Sean Dyche and former Everton and Manchester United manager David Moyes.
"The Football Association contacted Sunderland AFC to seek permission to speak with our manager as part of what was supposed to be a confidential discussion process with potential candidates for the position of England manager," read an official statement from Sunderland.
"At Sam Allardyce's request, we agreed to this.
"Sam is very much key to our plans. After what was an extremely challenging season, we are keen to see a period of stability, both on and off the field, and we want him to remain as manager of our football club.
"The ongoing speculation over Sam's position is extremely damaging to Sunderland AFC, particularly at this crucial time of the season and we urge the FA to respect the disruption that this process is causing and bring about a swift resolution to the matter."
With the formal interview process now underway, the FA is reported to be keen on talking to Eddie Howe, Steve Bruce and USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann.
Tuesday's meeting with the three FA executives is unlikely to be the last with Allardyce, with more formal interviews expected with all prospective candidates in the coming days.
FA vice-chairman Gill is known to be a strong advocate of Allardyce, as is Gill's former manager Sir Alex Ferguson - a life-long friend - although Ashworth's support is thought to be less strong.
Regardless of which candidate the three FA executives line up as next England manager, the final decision will rest with the 12 members of the FA board.
Roy Hodgson stepped down as England boss immediately after their 2-1 defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016 following four years in charge.
