It now appears that the Republic of Ireland manager will remain with the national team.
Martin O’Neill has declined the chance to become the new manager of Stoke City, following “a difficult weekend of negotiations” with the Premier League club.
The Telegraph broke the news on Sunday evening, reporting that Stoke were unable to tempt O’Neill away from his Republic of Ireland duties, where he has been in charge since late 2013.
O’Neill, 65, was believed to be Stoke chairman Peter Coates’ first-choice target.
The Telegraph add that O’Neill has decided to remain in his role of Republic of Ireland boss, despite being “flattered” by Stoke’s interest and the possibility of a pay rise.
It is suggested that the manager was unwilling to break the verbal agreement he gave to the Football Association of Ireland upon being offered a new two-year deal in October of 2017.
Furthermore, those at Stoke are said to be “shocked” at the rejection and may have been unable to offer O’Neill an especially long deal at the club, preferring instead to make a short-term appointment.
The Republic of Ireland boss is expected to address the situation when he next speaks to the media.
