Arsene Wenger pleased to be linked with England manager’s job after watching Arsenal brush aside Basel

ARSENE WENGER has admitted he is flattered by talk linking him with the England job - and failed to dismiss the chance of becoming the Three Lions manager.

Wenger is high on the Football Association wanted list to replace Sam Allardyce in charge of the national team after the latter's corruption claims against him.

FA bosses know he is contracted to Arsenal until the end of this season but are hopeful of persuading him to take the England job next summer.

And after watching his Gunners side beat Basel 2-0 in the Champions League, the 66-year-old gave his biggest hint yet he may be tempted by the challenge.

Wenger said: "Of course I am flattered, but my priority has always been this club. Until the end of the season I am here and I am completely focused on that."

Asked if it would only be until the end of the season, the Arsenal boss replied: "That's not decided. My priority is always Arsenal FC and I have to assess how well I do until the end of the season."

Wenger has been linked with the role several times in the past, but remained more keen on club football.

But the fact he refused to rule out the prospect of taking charge of England will not go unnoticed at the FA.

Gareth Southgate has been appointed as interim manager for at least the next four games, and that could be extended through the remainder of the season if the top target was only available in the summer.

And such a timeline would fit in nicely for Wenger, who could quit after 20 years in charge of the Gunners and take over England for a year going through to a World Cup Finals.