The Football Association has contacted Jose Mourinho's agent about the former Chelsea boss taking over as England coach, BBC Sport understands. Mourinho's agent Jorge Mendes has been approached by the FA about the job, although reports that the Portuguese is already in London are wide of the mark.
It is thought the FA has drawn up a shortlist of five or six contenders.
Mourinho, 44, is on the list and he is considering whether he is prepared to meet FA bosses to talk about the job.
Some newspaper reports claimed Mourinho was either in London already or about to fly into England from Portugal for talks with the FA.
But BBC Sport football correspondent Jonathan Legard said he understood Mourinho was still at home in Portugal but that an approach had been made.
"My sources in Portugal told me that Mourinho has been approached about the England job through his agent," said Legard.
"He is said to be considering it, but it is not his first-choice opening. He still has very strong interest in what might develop at the top two Spanish clubs, particularly Real Madrid.
"I understand that the FA's consultation process is all but complete.
"Brian Barwick, the chief executive, and Trevor Brooking have taken their soundings from within the game and as a result we could know the identity of Steve McClaren's successor before Christmas."
The FA, meanwhile, has issued a forceful denial about one report that suggested Barwick and Brooking were at odds over the appointment.
It was claimed Brooking was pushing for West Ham boss Alan Curbishley to take over, while Barwick had set his sights on other "world class" candidates.
The FA's director of communications Adrian Bevington said: "There is no truth in any suggestion of a problem between Brian Barwick and Sir Trevor Brooking, or a conflict or difference of opinion of any sort in appointing the next England manager.
"It is totally without foundation. It is misleading to the public and grossly unfair on Brian and Sir Trevor, who are going about their work in a completely professional manner.
"This is not helpful at a time when we are doing all we can to ensure we get the right man and the best man for the England job, which is what the fans all want."
Barwick met Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Thursday while Brooking spent time with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson last weekend.
Reports suggest the FA's shortlist will include Mourinho, Fabio Capello, Martin O'Neill, Marcello Lippi and Jurgen Klinsmann.
Aston Villa boss O'Neill, who has twice attempted to rule himself out of the running, told The Times on Friday: "I think Jose would be an excellent choice, simple as that.
"An England manager should have the time (to put a good structure in place) because he doesn't have to organise a training session every morning.
Fabio Capello has said he would like to manage England
"It should be his business to get around and see how the structure operates, to see what is happening at clubs.
"But eventually it's about winning games at first-team level then hoping you can develop something that will stand the football club in great stead, or allow you to make a mark at international level over a period of time."
FA chairman Geoff Thompson said on Thursday: "We are determined to get the right man, at the right time.
"Brian Barwick has been charged with finding a manager to recommend to the FA board and is well under way with the process."
It appears likely that a successor for the recently-sacked Steve McClaren will be installed before the next international - the friendly against Switzerland on 6 February at Wembley
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