Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane near Ireland exit as Stoke edge closer to deal

The Football Association of Ireland could be about to lose Martin O’Neill from their grasp after the Ireland manager last night held what was understood to be a productive meeting with Stoke City about their managerial vacancy.

Potters chairman Peter Coates and his board made the Derryman their preferred target to replace the sacked Mark Hughes and negotiations in the midlands are due to continue today.

It is believed O’Neill is prepared to resign from his Ireland post rather adopt the job-sharing arrangement that had been floated as a compromise to appease the FAI.