A new all-Ireland ‘Champions Cup’ is expected to be formally launched later this month.
The two-legged tie between this season's NIFL Premiership champions Linfield and the 2019 League of Ireland winners is expected take place in November.
Meetings between the Irish FA and FAI took place this week and were described as 'positive', reports Mirror Sport.
A new sponsor is believed to be in place and contracts are being finalised, while an official name will also be given to the competition.
Linfield boss David Healy issues call for support ahead of trophy day
There was some confusion earlier this year when the FAI's Fran Gavin announced the new cross-border fixture at the League of Ireland launch on February 11.
It later emerged that the IFA and Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) had held talks around that time, but both organisations accused Gavin of jumping the gun .
It’s now understood the IFA and FAI are closing in on an announcement although neither association has commented.
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