England close to making permanent Gareth Southgate appointment?

England could announce the permanent managerial appointment of Gareth Southgate as early as next week, according to a report.

The 46-year-old has spent the past two months in interim charge of the Three Lions, culminating in last week's 2-2 friendly draw with Spain at Wembley Stadium.

Having enhanced his chances of landing the job on a full-time basis following an unbeaten four-game spell, the former England Under-21s boss is said to have held positive talks with the Football Association on Monday afternoon.

Sky Sports News claims that Southgate was interviewed by a five-man panel at St George's Park, five days after FA chief executive Martin Glenn admitted that the stand-in manager was in a "strong position" to succeed Sam Allardyce.

It is suggested that the FA is looking to make a swift announcement, with next Wednesday pencilled in as a potential date for his unveiling, as the governing body currently has no other rival candidates to interview.