Noel White, the head of the FA's international committee, and David Davies, the FA's interim executive director, met Keegan in the north-east for two hours.

An FA statement read: "Noel White and David Davies have had an amicable meeting with Kevin Keegan today and they will be speaking again within the next 48 hours.

"The FA are still considering all options."

Speculation over the meeting had been mounting after the Fulham chairman, Mohamed al-Fayed, gave the FA the green light to talk to Keegan.

He had previously said that he did not want the job and would not walk out on Fulham. But he now may be poised to take the England role on a part-time basis and continue in his post as Craven Cottage supremo.

Maik Taylor (left) backs his boss to stay on at Fulham

Speaking after Fulham's 1-0 fifth round FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, Keegan said: "You have that pull every Englishman should have if he's going to be a manager and your country comes along.

"Maybe you should jump at it and forget everything."

Fulham goalkeeper Maik Taylor admitted Keegan's players all believe he will stay at Craven Cottage - suggesting he will only take the England if he can continue to lead the Second Division side's promotion charge.

"He's assured us he'll see out the rest of his contract. We've had a few jokes in the dressing room about it and he's as good as told us he's staying," said Taylor.

"He's got unbelievable pulling power and has attracted some superb players to this club."

O'Neill linked with role

The FA has already hinted that they are looking to appoint a current club manager - which would appear to rule out present caretaker coach, Howard Wilkinson.

Martin O'Neill: Joins the short-list

Keegan is likely to be asked to take charge of the England squad for next month's European qualifier against Poland.

The news came as yet another name entered the short-list - with Leicester boss Martin O'Neill becoming the latest manager to be linked with the job.