Motherwell are willing to offer Stephen Robinson a new deal in a bid to stop him from taking the Northern Ireland job.
The Steelmen reluctantly gave their manager permission to talk to the Irish Football Association yesterday but made it clear they want him to remain.
Robinson signed a deal last year until 2022 but Well directors are prepared to rip that up and offer him improved terms to commit his future to the club.
The 45-year-old is believed to have held talks with the IFA on Wednesday afternoon.
A Motherwell source said: “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.”
Robinson and another ex-Well boss Ian Baraclough are the two favourites to succeed Michael O’Neill, who has quit for Stoke.
Ex-St Johnstone gaffer Tommy Wright, Austin MacPhee and Jim Magilton will also be interviewed.
Meanwhile, Well last night announced the signing of Mark O’Hara.
The midfielder, who had a loan spell at Fir Park last season, penned a two-year contract after a fee was agreed with Peterborough.
O’Hara, who knocked back St Mirren, said: “I always wanted to come back. I’m delighted the opportunity’s come up.”
