FA denies lining up Redknapp for England job

Redknapp has impressed during his time as Tottenham manager (AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

The Football Association categorically denied reports last night that they were in discussions to install Harry Redknapp as the new England manager with David Beckham as his assistant.

Sources at the FA said there had been no talks to replace Fabio Capello, whose contract runs until after the Euro 2012 championships. Julian Eccles, the FA's group director of marketing and communications said: "There are no such talks and we have not discussed any potential succession plan with anyone."

The FA have made no secret of the fact that Capello's successor will have to be sought out long before his contract expires next July, but they are not inclined to undermine him in the middle of a qualifying campaign. The new FA chairman, David Bernstein, does not start his job until later this month.