The FAI’s pursuit of Lee Carsley as the head coach of the Republic of Ireland men’s senior team was in danger of stalling on Thursday night.
Reports on Thursday suggested the former Ireland midfielder was to be ratified by the FAI board next Tuesday after a two-month search for Stephen Kenny’s successor, and bookmakers stopped taking bets on the market.
The FAI head-hunters, director of football Marc Canham, CEO Jonathan Hill and independent director Packie Bonner, have been in England this week as the recruitment end-game heightens.
However, according to sources in the English FA, no official approach has been made by the FAI for formal permission to speak to Carsley, England Under 21s manager.