Sam Allardyce: Who could replace England manager if FA decide to part company after newspaper sting?

The former Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland boss was allegedly filmed appearing to advise businessmen on how to “get around” strict FA regulations

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew (Getty)

Alan Pardew is the bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Sam Allardyce as England manager if he parts company with the Football Association following allegations made in the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

The former Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland boss was allegedly filmed appearing to advise businessmen on how to “get around” strict FA regulations on player transfers, telling the undercover reporters that it was “not a problem” flouting rules aimed at stopping third parties “owning” football players' economic rights

Allardyce’s future remains in doubt following the revelations having only been offered the job this summer following England’s poor showing at Euro 2016 under predecessor Roy Hodgson.

Pardew, the Crystal Palace manager, is priced by several leading bookmakers as the favourite to take over the reins should the FA elect to dismiss their new head coach in the coming days. England are scheduled to play Malta in a World Cup qualifier on 8 October.

Former Hull City boss Steve Bruce is considered by many to be the second favourite for the post while Eddie Howe, currently at Bournemouth, and England Under-21s manager Gareth Southgate are also in the running.

Jurgen Klinsmann, the ex-Germany coach, is in contention – as he was this summer – with one-time England boss Glenn Hoddle priced at sixth-favourite to land the job.

Hodgson’s coach in France this summer, Gary Neville, is another name being put into consideration while under-fire West Ham manager Slaven Bilic and ex-Newcastle United forward and caretaker boss Alan Shearer also features highly.

It is alleged by the Daily Telegraph that a deal was struck with Allardyce worth £400,000. The FA told The Sun it is aware of the allegations and are awaiting a full transcript of the meetings before commenting further.

A spokesman told the Telegraph: “We have asked the Daily Telegraph to provide us with the full facts in relation to this matter.”

According to Mail Online, FA chairman Greg Clarke said last night: 'I want all the facts, to hear everything from everyone and make a judgment about what to do. Natural justice requires us to get to the bottom of the issues before we make any decision.'

The Independent has contacted the FA for comment about the allegations.