West Bromwich Albion manager Roy Hodgson looks for England clause in new contract The West Brom head coach, 64, is the second favourite behind Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp to succeed Fabio Capello. With his deal at the Hawthorns expiring at the end of the season, Hodgson's future has been closely scrutinised since the Italian resigned in February. He had made it clear that he wanted assurances about West Brom's ambitions before committing himself to a fresh deal. His advisers met the club's sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth for early negotiations over a new contract in London on Wednesday, which suggested that Hodgson is now satisfied with the club's player recruitment plans. Given his latest comments, however, it appears the former Liverpool and Fulham manager wants to keep his options open in case the Football Association approach him. Hodgson's side moved closer to Premier League safety on 39 points with Saturday's 3-0 victory over his former club Blackburn Rovers. The result ended West Brom's winless run of four league matches and left Hodgson in a relaxed mood. Speaking afterwards, he said: "Now things are safer, I dare say we can discuss what can happen with myself. I expect talks can start with Dan. I'm very comfortable with the situation. It's not a problem for me - if it takes until end of season or is [settled] before then. The vacancy with England, as far as I'm concerned, has nothing to do with me or my situation. Why not sign a contract here before the England situation is sorted? It wouldn't matter. What I guess West Brom would do is ... I could quite easily say there should be a clause in the contract that, if someone else wants me, compensation can be agreed. You don't have to wait and not do something for another issue to be settled.