Sunderland players are reportedly prepared for Sam Allardyce's exit from the club after being told that he is now the number-one target for the England job.
Three Lions chiefs held talks with the 61-year-old earlier this week in the search for a successor to recently-departed boss Roy Hodgson.
Allardyce, who was previously linked to the England job a decade ago, was granted permission by Sunderland to fly back early from the Black Cats' training camp in Austria and it is understood that he did not return.
According to The Sun, players and officials of the Premier League outfit are now braced for a decision to be made in the coming days as it becomes increasingly apparent that Allardyce is the man the Football Association wants to replace Hodgson.
Sunderland are one of just two Premier League clubs, alongside Stoke City, yet to make any additions in the summer transfer market, but owner Ellis Short is said to have already lined up former Manchester United manager David Moyes to take over if Allardyce does indeed depart the Stadium of Light.
Daniel Lewis
