SUNDERLAND manager Sam Allardyce has arrived at Victoria Park for tonight's pre-season friendly - despite claims that he will be named the new England boss within the next 24 hours.

Allardyce, who was formally interviewed by the Football Association ten days ago, is understood to have won the battle to succeed Roy Hodgson and a statement is expected tomorrow.

Personal terms and compensation for Sunderland are still to be discussed, although the FA's three man selection panel is believed to have already made up their mind that Sam is the man and they will offer him the post.

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Hull boss Steve Bruce, USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann and Bournemouth's Eddie Howe have all been spoken to, but Allardyce has the greatest support from within the corridors of power.

It now seems that Allardyce will oversee his final game as Sunderland manager at Hartlepool tonight and he had a smile when he skipped off the team coach at Victoria Park.

The match kicks-off at 7.30pm and Allardyce is expected to speak to the media after the game.

When Allardyce does depart, Sunderland owner Ellis Short is understood to have already identified David Moyes as his primary target for the Stadium of Light job.

And for what looks likely to be his last team sheet as Sunderland boss, he has included trialist Charles N'Zogbia on the bench to face Hartlepool. Craig Hignett, the Pools boss, has also included a trialist among his subs in the form of Liam Donnelly.

HARTLEPOOL: Carson, Richards, Nsiala, Bates, Carroll, Featherstone, Laurent, Woods, Deverdics, Alessandra, Amond. Subs: Magnay, Bartlett, Nearney, Green, Thomas, Orrell, Paynter, Oates, Harrison, Donnelly.

SUNDERLAND: Mannone; Jones, Kaboul, Kone, van Aanholt; Cattermole, Rodwell; Lens, Borini, Khazri; Defoe. Subs: Robson, Pickford, T Robson, Beadling, Ledger, Honeyman, N'Zogbia, Greenwood, Gooch, Watmore, Maja, Stryjek.