Report: Allardyce willing to mentor assistant if appointed manager of England

Amid reports that he is set to interview for the job of England's manager, Sam Allardyce is apparently also willing to help lay a foundation for the Three Lions' future.

Allardyce's chances of becoming England's next manager have been heightened by his readiness to help the Football Association mentor a young assistant who would be groomed as his successor, according to Louise Taylor of the Guardian.

Allardyce, who has one year remaining on his contract at Sunderland, allegedly left the Black Cats' training camp in Austria on Monday, but one source said the early departure was "business as usual," while Sky Sports reported that it is believed he flew home in order to "sort out some transfer business." That being said, the FA is apparently heartened by the eagerness of "Big Sam" to groom a manager who would be his heir.

The FA will allegedly interview Allardyce this week and has identified him as the best option among available Englishmen. Sir Alex Ferguson also gave "Big Sam" a wonderful endorsement, saying: "He is the obvious choice."

Jurgen Klinsmann, the manager of the United States men's national team, is reportedly the other leading candidate and has made it aware that he would be tempted by the job. However, unlike Allardyce who fits the FA's blueprint for English football, the German manager is known for bringing in his own staff and doing things his own way.

Related - Report: Allardyce, Klinsmann set to interview for England manager role

Formal contact between Allardyce, Sunderland, and the FA is apparently yet to be established.