The FA intend to narrow their selection options down to one man before they eventually make a move to secure Fabio Capello's successor - and it won't be Jose Mourinho, according to chief executive Alex Horne.

In addition to suggestions that a short-list would be drawn up next week by the four-man Club England board charged with finding a replacement for the £6million-a-year Italian, it has been suggested there are just two names in the frame.

Overwhelming favourite Harry Redknapp is one. The other was understood to be Mourinho, who seems certain to secure his first La Liga title with Real Madrid this season.

No go Mo! Jose is not in the running, says Horne (far right)

That would give him the unique status of being a champion in four countries following previous triumphs in Portugal, England and Italy.

However, he has an uneasy relationship with a number of senior players and last week was spotted house-hunting in London.

And Horne confirmed to BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme, the preference remains for a home-grown candidate.

'They don't have to be English but clearly that would be very preferable,' he said. 'We all get that. We think British is credible.

'It's key we have someone with very strong English communication skills, ideally someone who's got experience of managing English players.'

Last week, Horne said it might be the end of the season before an appointment was made.

But he altered that stance slightly, confirming that whilst Capello's successor would not be announced this month, he could be in place at any point after that.

It all points to Redknapp, who has not done anything to dampen down speculation that he would like the job.

However, it is understood the Tottenham boss would prefer to complete his work with the London outfit this term.

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