Sam Allardyce has met with FA vice-chairman David Gill

Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce has met with FA vice-chairman David Gill - one of the three men who will choose the next England manager - but Sky sources understand it was not a formal interview for the job.

Allardyce was photographed outside Gill's home in Cheshire on Tuesday.

The 61-year-old is Sky Bet's odds-on favourite to replace Roy Hodgson and he flew back from Sunderland's pre-season training camp in Austria. Sunderland insisted that was purely on transfer business.

It is understood the FA prefers an English candidate, but has not ruled out the possibility of appointing Klinsmann, the former Germany striker who is USA national team coach.

However, it is believed the process will move quickly to allow time for the club or national federation to find a replacement ahead of the new season.

WATCH: Steve Bruce speaks to Sky Sports News HQ about the vacant England job WATCH: Steve Bruce speaks to Sky Sports News HQ about the vacant England job

SSN HQ understands that it is not just a two-horse race, with Hull manager Steve Bruce recently stating he was flattered to have been linked with the role.

Since their first meeting in Paris, the FA's technical director Dan Ashworth, chief executive Martin Glenn and vice-chairman David Gill have gleaned the opinions of the likes of Gary Lineker, Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard, as well as former England manager-hopeful Harry Redknapp.