Motherwell are prepared to offer Stephen Robinson a new contract in a bid to stop him from taking the Northern Ireland job.
The Scottish Premiership club announced yesterday that they had "reluctantly" given Robinson permission to be interviewed for the international post.
Robinson is believed to be one of five candidates in the running to succeed Michael O'Neill.
Tommy Wright, Ian Baraclough, Jim Magilton and Kenny Shiels are also understood to have been interviewed by the Irish FA.
Robinson is currently contracted to Motherwell until 2022 after signing a new deal last year.
But it is now understood the Steelman are ready to offer improved terms to the 45-year-old in a bid to keep him at Fir Park.
A Motherwell source told the Daily Record: “We have given Stephen permission to talk to Northern Ireland but we want him to stay at Motherwell.
“He still has a contract until 2022 but we are prepared to offer him a new deal to keep him at the club.
“We have backed Stephen this summer with his signings and we are working on another couple of deals so we are hoping that he will remain and continue the great job he is doing at Motherwell.”
The Irish FA is hoping to name their new manager within the next 24 hours after holding interviews yesterday.
The Irish FA's Board us due to meet to tonight to ratify a decision, with candidates expected to be notified by tomorrow morning.
