Martin O’Neill’s reign as Republic of Ireland manager has come to an end according to reports in many of today’s newspapers.
The former Sunderland boss is reportedly in talks with Stoke City Chairman Peter Coates about the vacant manager's job at the Premier League club.
O'Neill verbally agreed a new two year deal before last October's World Cup qualifier against Wales, but much like his previous extension, O’Neill was slow to put pen to paper and the contract was never signed with the FAI.
It means O'Neill doesn't need permission to talk to interested parties, nor would the FAI be entitled to any compensation.
The Boys in Green have a quiet year, with the next game a friendly away to Turkey in March.
Reports suggest O'Neill is hoping to retain the management team he has worked with for the last four years with the Republic of Ireland, meaning that assistant manager Roy Keane could also be heading to the Bet 365 Stadium.
O’Neill could be in the dugout for next Monday's trip to Manchester United. By chance it was a game against the same opposition that brought an end to his last spell in charge in the Premier League.
O’Neill was axed by Sunderland in 2013 after a 1-0 defeat by Manchester United left the Black Cats in the relegation zone after an 8 game winless run.
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