Football Association chiefs are ready to speak to surprise England candidate Ralf Rangnick for a second time as they weigh up their options following the departure of Sam Allardyce.

Telegraph Sport can reveal that Rangnick held talks with technical director Dan Ashworth, chief executive Martin Glenn and vice-chairman David Gill at Wembley after Roy Hodgson stepped down as manager.

Despite greatly impressing the trio, German coach Rangnick was eventually told that the FA wanted an Englishman for the post and appointed Allardyce but his swift departure means the permanent position is up for grabs again.

With the FA set to make a new approach to Arsene Wenger and Gareth Southgate already in position as caretaker and seemingly interested in the full-time job, Rangnick is currently the dark horse among the candidates.

Ashworth is a big fan of Rangnick, having attempted to appoint him as Roy Hodgson’s successor at West Bromwich Albion in 2012 and has followed his work ever since.