Winning the race: Hodgson looks set to land the job over favourite Redknapp

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

Peace added: '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.

'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.'

The move marks the beginning of the end of a tortuous process, which began on February 8, when Capello confirmed his resignation in protest at John Terry being stripped of the captaincy without having the opportunity to put any input into the discussions.

It is still possible Hodgson will say no.That does seem highly unlikely though as, in an extensive interview earlier this year, during which he touched on the England job only as an aside, the Londoner said the job would be 'a tremendous honour'.

Hodgson has built up an impressive CV, which includes spells in the international game with Switzerland - whom he guided to the 1994 World Cup and Euro 96, although he resigned before the Finals themselves - Finland and the United Arab Emirates.

However, this is unlikely to win over those who feel Redknapp should have been asked first.

The Tottenham manager might be more than a little angry himself as, whilst he has denied it, the
speculation surrounding his chances of getting the job seems to have damaged the London outfit, who had won just one of nine Premier League games since Capello's departure until this afternoon's 2-0 victory over Blackburn.

It also begs the question as to why the FA waited until now to make their move given West Brom have been comfortable in mid-table for a number of weeks, their safety assured long before yesterday's goalless draw with Aston Villa.

Even as recently as a fortnight ago, Club England sources were indicating that more than two people were in the frame for a job they wanted an Englishman to fill if at all possible.
On Thursday, they categorically ruled departing Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola out as a potential candidate.

Now though, those same voices are insisting only one person has been approached, a position that is likely to remain until such time as Hodgson says he doesn't want the job.

It is a response that, given all the evidence to the contrary, will almost certainly never be heard.

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