West Bromwich Albion are poised to make an official approach to open talks with Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill.
According to reports in England, the 49-year-old is on the Hawthorns club’s short list to replace Darren Moore who was sacked in March.
And Irish FA chiefs are bracing themselves for another period of speculation surrounding the national manager.
It is understood Albion will ask the association for permission to speak to O'Neill in the coming days.
Former Brighton boss Chris Hughton, Charlton’s Lee Bowyer and Lincoln’s Danny Crowley are also being linked with the job.
O'Neill, in charge of Northern Ireland since 2011, enjoys managing on the international stage but is unlikely to spurn the opportunity to hear what the Baggies have to say.
According to Sky Sports sources, it would take assurances on the West Midland club's “budgets and current stability” for O'Neill to leave his post with the Irish FA.
O’Neill, who signed a contract extension with Northern Ireland until 2024 only last year, is currently preparing for next month’s Euro 2020 qualifiers in Estonia and Belarus.
It is believed his current contract, thought to be in the region of £700,000 a year, has a clause entitling the Irish FA to compensation if he moves on to a club job.
The interview process is set to proceed imminently with West Brom hoping to to speak to their four main targets over the next fortnight.
Albion missed out on promotion to the Premiership when they lost a penalty shootout to Aston Villa in the Championship play-off semi-finals.
