However, the existing agreement with United for McClaren's services only included the first three games under Eriksson against Spain, Finland and Albania.

That period expires after Wednesday night's World Cup qualifier in Tirana.

And there are not only further fixtures after the end of the domestic season - a friendly against Mexico and a qualifier against Greece - but also three more World Cup games next season against Germany, Albania and Greece.

The FA are hoping to persuade United to release McClaren for at least some of these games.

FA chief executive Adam Crozier is scheduled to visit Old Trafford later this week to speak to United counterpart Peter Kenyon on the matter.

The FA will stress that McClaren will benefit from the continued experience of working with England at international level on a part-time basis.

They are also aware that the national team will benefit from his coaching skills as well as his close links with the strong contingent of United's players in the squad.

But the Old Trafford club will be keen to ensure their assistant manager does not compromise his main job with them ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson's last season as boss.

That could mean that if Kenyon and Ferguson do agree to an extension of McClaren's role, it takes place in small steps.

The FA are hopeful their agreement with Leicester concerning Taylor's involvement is on a longer term basis as long as the former England under-21 coach is happy to continue in both roles.