Report: FA to make 2nd push for Wenger as England manager

The Football Association is prepared to wait until the end of the Premier League season to install Arsene Wenger as England manager, according to The Telegraph's Matt Law.

Wenger was reportedly approached by the FA over the summer, but wasn't ready to break his longtime commitment to Arsenal.

His contract, however, expires next June, and Law understands the FA has decided to make a second attempt at recruiting the Frenchman.

Related: Top 6 candidates to replace disgraced Allardyce as England boss

Sam Allardyce's swift exit from the international scene has left England in limbo for the foreseeable future, with Under-21 manager Gareth Southgate taking the reins for the next four matches.

Southgate apparently withdrew his name from the FA's initial list of candidates, but he's been thrust into the role anyway.

He would have to remain in charge for one extra fixture - a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania on March 26 - if the FA indeed intends to hire Wenger at season's end.

But there will be a fight for the 66-year-old's signature. Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke is still hoping to extend Wenger's deal, but that may well depend on the club's final standing in the Premier League.

Wenger, who's in his 21st season at the helm, admitted in July that the England job appealed to him.

"Could I manage England?" Wenger said. “Why not? I would never rule that out, but I am happy and focused in club football. I have one more year to go with Arsenal and I have been with them for a long time. I have always respected all my contracts and will continue to do that.

"What will I do after that? Honestly, I don't know."