Arsenal are expecting the Football Association to make a move for Arsene Wenger – but will fight to keep their manager with a new contract.
Having rebuffed the FA's advances in the summer following Roy Hodgson's dismissal, Wembley chiefs are ready to make another beeline for Wenger as they look to appoint a successor for disgraced Sam Allardyce.
Gareth Southgate has been placed in interim charge for the next four games; which takes England up to November 15th when they face Spain in a prestige friendly at Wembley.
Indeed, Sportsmail understands the former England central defender will be considered by key decision-makers Martin Glenn, Dan Ashworth and David Gill as a long-term successor to Allardyce if he impresses over the next two months.