Furious Sunderland demand FA pay £3million compensation but outgoing boss Sam Allardyce insists: I’m the England manager – get me out of here’
Black Cats owner Ellis Short fights for cash - and Three Lions want ex-Derby chief Paul Clement as their part-time coach
SAM ALLARDYCE will leave Sunderland for England — even if his compensation row is not resolved.
Black Cats owner Ellis Short has already lined up David Moyes as Big Sam’s replacement.
But the furious Texan wants more than £3million from the FA for poaching his manager. That is despite the fact Big Sam has a get-out clause in his contract, that Sunderland deny exists.
Allardyce, though, is now ready to quit the Stadium of Light to ensure he is officially confirmed as England manager today.
He wants former Derby boss Paul Clement, currently No 2 at Bayern Munich, as a part-time coach.
Allardyce, 61, could earn up to £8million as Three Lions boss over the length of his proposed two-year deal, provided he hits certain targets.
These include ensuring qualification for the World Cup and progress in the tournament itself.
And there is an option to stay for another two years if he is successful.
The FA’s three-man selection panel of Martin Glenn, David Gill and Dan Ashworth yesterday recommended his appointment at a board meeting at Wembley.
Speaking before the gathering, outgoing FA chairman Greg Dyke said: “The three-man group are convinced he is the right man — and I’d agree.”
Allardyce wants former PE teacher Clement to be a member of his team.
The 44-year-old started his coaching career at Chelsea where Carlo Ancelotti appointed him first-team coach.
Clement then followed the Italian to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid as his No 2.
He was axed as Derby boss in February but teamed up with Ancelotti again, this time at Bayern Munich.
Allardyce is keen to tap into Clement’s invaluable knowledge of European football.
Big Sam was back at Sunderland’s training ground yesterday morning, although he did not take the session.
SunSport understands he has NOT yet told his players he is leaving, despite the first-team squad expecting to be addressed yesterday.
Allardyce’s farewells are now expected to come today as it becomes official that he has landed his dream job.
Sunderland supremo Short has been angered at the FA’s conduct.
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But that has at least been tempered by Moyes verbally agreeing to return to management with the Black Cats.
And a deal for the Scot should be concluded swiftly, as soon as Allardyce is unveiled as the new Three Lions chief.
Moyes, 53, is desperate to make a Premier League comeback having been out of work since he was sacked by Real Sociedad in November.
Short has long been an admirer of the former Manchester United and Everton boss.