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LONDON. — Sam Allardyce looks to be in pole position to become the next England manager after his club Sunderland revealed yesterday they granted at his request permission to speak to the Football Association.

The 61-year-old Englishman, who was interviewed for the England job 10 years ago but lost out to Steve McClaren, spoke with the three-man FA panel on Tuesday about succeeding Roy Hodgson, who resigned after England were beaten by Iceland in their Euro 2016 last-16 clash. Sunderland, who Allardyce saved from relegation last season, made clear they wished the situation to be resolved as quickly as possible so they can prepare for another tough campaign in the Premier League.

Sunderland have in fact called for a swift resolution from the FA after allowing Allardyce to hold talks over the vacant England job.

Big Sam held talks on Tuesday over replacing Hodgson. Allardyce, who was pictured leaving FA chief David Gill’s home, is the favourite to take over after the Euro 2016 debacle. And Sunderland have confirmed they gave the 61-year-old permission to speak to the FA, but they want the matter resolved as soon as possible. — The Mirror.