The FAI claim they have not been contacted by Stoke City

The FAI have not been contacted by Stoke City over the availability of Martin O’Neill, according to RTÉ.

The Telegraph had reported this morning that the Premier League club had contacted O’Neill about replacing Mark Hughes at the bet365 Stadium.

The Republic of Ireland manager is now one of the favourites to for the role, as Gary Rowett has signed a new deal at Derby County.

The 65 year old verbally agreed a new two-year deal with the FAI ahead of Ireland’s World Cup play-off defeat to Denmark, but it has yet to be confirmed whether pen has been put to paper on the proposed extension.

The Guardian claim that O’Neill is highly respected by the hierarchy at Stoke, and state that the club are looking to bring in a manager on an initial short-term deal.

Slaven Bilic, who was sacked by West Ham earlier this season, has also been touted as a replacement for Hughes.

Former Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores has also been linked with the job.