Updated w/articl: Pat Forde: LSU allows UM to speak to Miles

Being reported right now on ESPNews.

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LSU athletic director Skip Bertman confirmed Wednesday night through spokesman Herb Vincent that his Michigan counterpart, Bill Martin, has officially requested permission to speak with Les Miles about becoming the next coach of the Wolverines.

Bertman requested that the meeting not take place until after LSU plays Tennessee Saturday for the SEC championship. Martin told Bertman he will comply.

Miles played for Bo Schembechler at Michigan, where he met his wife and later became an assistant under Schembechler.

LSU will have its own meeting with Miles next week to make its pitch to keep Miles. Sources say Miles will be offered a sweetened deal.

Although formal discussions will wait for next week, a source close to the situation said Miles' agent, George Bass, was in Baton Rouge Wednesday meeting with LSU officials. The subject of those talks is unknown.

Miles has been at the center of speculation to be the next coach of the Wolverines since Lloyd Carr stepped down Nov. 19. The Michigan alum has carefully chosen his words when asked repeatedly about his interest in returning to his alma mater, but the one thing he has not done is say he is not a candidate.

LSU's national championship chase ended with an upset loss to Arkansas last Friday. That might have changed the timetable for negotiations with Michigan and freed up both sides to discuss the job sooner.