Sam Allardyce contacted by FA, reportedly interviewed for England manager

Sam Allardyce, whose football was once deemed as "19th century" by Jose Mourinho, is in line to become England's manager in the 21st century.

Sunderland announced Wednesday that the Football Association contacted the Black Cats in order to seek permission to speak with Allardyce regarding the England manager position, and urged English football's governing body to "bring about a swift resolution to the matter."

According to Louise Taylor of the Guardian, Allardyce was formally interviewed for the job Tuesday night at the house of David Gill, the FA's director, and it's understood the governing body intends on meeting other coaches, including Jurgen Klinsmann of the United States men's national team and Eddie Howe of AFC Bournemouth, before a decision is made.

From Sunderland's official website:

The Football Association contacted Sunderland AFC to seek permission to speak with our manager as part of what was supposed to be a confidential discussion process with potential candidates for the position of England manager.

At Sam Allardyce’s request, we agreed to this.

Sam is very much key to our plans. After what was an extremely challenging season, we are keen to see a period of stability, both on and off the field, and we want him to remain as manager of our football club.

The ongoing speculation over Sam’s position is extremely damaging to Sunderland AFC, particularly at this crucial time of the season and we urge the FA to respect the disruption that this process is causing and bring about a swift resolution to the matter.

Allardyce reportedly left Sunderland's training camp in Austria on Monday, and was pictured visiting Gill's house the following day. According to Matt Law of The Telegraph, sources close to the hiring process believe it is "his job to lose."

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

A larger-than-life character whose footballing philosophy is often criticised for being disreputable, Allardyce joined Sunderland last year following the Black Cats' abysmal start to the Premier League season and rescued the Tyne-Wear club from relegation with football that, contrary to popular belief, wasn't "hoof and hope."

While Allardyce isn't a manager who wins trophies, he is yet to taste relegation and boasts a resume that includes Limerick, Preston North End, Blackpool, Notts County, Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, and West Ham United.

One year remains on Allardyce's contract at Sunderland.