Michael O'Neill's odds of becoming Stoke City's new manager were slashed on Thursday.
The Northern Ireland boss had been tentatively linked with the vacant Potters post.
But that all changed on Thursday when it was confirmed that Stoke had made an official approach to the Irish FA .
In a short statement released to the PA news agency, the IFA said: "The Irish Football Association has been approached by EFL Championship club Stoke City who are seeking permission to speak to Michael O'Neill about their vacant manager's position."
The bookmakers have taken note, with O'Neill now a massive odds-on favourite with some betting firms.
SkyBet, Paddy Power and betfair are all as short as 1/3 for O'Neill to make the move.
William Hill were offering a more generous 2/1, with Ladbrokes and Coral both sitting at 15/8.
Chris Hughton and Tony Pulis are the best of the rest at around 8/1.
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