Dan Ashworth is poised to leave West Brom after a five-year spell and become the head of the Football Association's new technical department, Press Association Sport understands.
But it is understood any appointment will not be able to take place until next summer.
Ashworth, Albion's sporting and technical director, has made it clear that he wants to take up the new challenge with the FA.
However, he has to work a 12-month notice period with the Baggies and it is believed they will hold Ashworth to that agreement before he can leave for his new role.
Ashworth linked up with West Brom in December 2007 and has played a leading role in establishing Albion as a Barclays Premier League club.
He was largely responsible for the recruitment of key players such as Peter Odemwingie, Youssouf Mulumbu and Claudio Yacob.
If and when he links up with the FA, he will be reunited with former Albion head coach Roy Hodgson who is now England manager.
Hodgson made it clear last season when still at the Hawthorns that he would be "unsurprised" if the FA made an approach for Ashworth.
Ashworth has also worked with the Baggies in helping to develop their academy, medical department and sports science.
Source: PA
