FA want Psycho to join Capello's Italian mob

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Chief executive Brian Barwick and the FA board insisted that Pearce was given an influential role in Capello's team before agreeing to his terms to take over from Steve McClaren.

Capello, who will be allowed to surround himself with his trusted Italian backroom staff, also had to agree to the creation of a full-time English physiotherapy and medical team.

The FA are aware that there is some opposition to the appointment of another foreigner to run the national team and are keen to put an Englishman in position to take over from Capello when the Italian moves on.

England Under-21 coach Pearce, who has been impressive with the youngsters, is seen as that man and the FA are determined he should complete his international management education under Capello, whose £6million-a-year four-year deal will be confirmed by Barwick today.

Capello is expected to be officially unveiled at a press conference on Monday.

It is understood that David Platt, who speaks fluent Italian, and Alan Shearer are alternative candidates if Pearce decides he does not want to step up from the Under-21 job, although the former Manchester City manager is clearly the preferred choice.

The FA board approved Capello's appointment yesterday, although there was some disquiet from members that Capello wanted to bring in an all-Italian staff.

This includes Franco Baldini, who has worked with him at Roma and Real Madrid and will be responsible for scouting, plus assistant Italo Galbiati, fitness expert Massimo Neri and goalkeeping coach Franco Tancredi.

The main sticking point was over the appointment of 47-year-old Baldini but the FA are keen to point out that he will not overlap the position of Sir Trevor Brooking, the FA's director of football development, who has far-reaching responsibilities at a grass-roots level.

Capello's backroom boys

Baldini, meanwhile, is in great demand since he was also high on West Ham's shortlist for their proposed new post of football director.

The Hammers are hopeful of making an appointment early next year and the new man would be concerned with improving the foreign scouting network as well as reorganising the academy and having input into the search for a new stadium and training ground.

Former Brazilian international Leonardo, who specialises in recruiting players from South America, is another candidate but Baldini's obvious pedigree and connection with Capello would seem to have made him favourite before England came knocking.