Johnson set to signal new England era

But the future of Brian Ashton remains in doubt with some reports claiming he would be removed as head coach and offered a job elsewhere in the RFU, possibly his old position as head of the national academy.

A statement from the RFU is expected around lunchtime.

If Johnson's appointment and Ashton's departure are both confirmed, it would signal a dramatic u-turn from the RFU in the space of just four months.

In December, Ashton was reappointed as head coach after leading England to the World Cup final and promised a manager of his own choosing - someone who would share the managerial and administrative burden but who would not get involved in rugby affairs.

But that changed after the Six Nations when senior officials at the RFU grew concerned over England's inconsistent performances and Andrew was given the green light to recruit Johnson, who wants full control over England's management team.

Last week, RFU chief executive Francis Baron stated he wanted Ashton to remain on board as part of the coaching staff under a new team manager and if the reports are true, that stance would also appear to have changed.

The RFU have come in for fierce criticism for the way they have handled the process and their treatment of Ashton.

Former England international and professional lawyer Brian Moore claimed Ashton's departure would be the "clearest case of constructive dismissal" he had ever seen.

It is unlikely all the loose ends will be tied up but Johnson is reported to have reached a broad agreement on his role with the RFU.