Reports have emerged that the FAI's appointment of Lee Carsley as the next Ireland manager will not be going ahead, despite the 49-year-old looking certain to take over just 24 hours ago.
The Daily Mail have said that the England U21s boss has 'rejected an offer' to succeed Stephen Kenny, with the FA keen for him to continue his stellar work with the their underage side, and remain available to take over from Gareth Southgate should he step down as England manager at the end of his contract.
This news will come as a massive blow not only to the FAI, but also to supporters who many believed Carsley to be by far the best option of all the leading candidates.
Lee Carsley Turns Down Ireland Job After Looking Odds On
Up until now, the former Ireland midfielder looked odds on to return to these shores. An FAI delegation headed by Packie Bonner and Marc Canham, the FAI's director of football, are in the UK this week interviewing candidates.
Bookmakers suspended betting yesterday on the role after a large sum of cash was placed on on him, while the Irish Sun reported that he was 'likely to be named new Republic of Ireland manager within the next seven days'.
However, doubts had emerged over night about Carsley's intentions, with both the Irish Daily Mail and the Irish Independent reporting that the FAI had not made a formal offer to Carsley regarding the role.
According to Simon Hughes in the Mail this morning, Carsley has now reportedly said no to the FAI, with the hopes of replacing Gareth Southgate as England boss. The FAI were reportedly ready to make a formal offer of a four-and-a-half year contract.
Neil Lennon will likely become the new favourite to take over, while Roy Keane and Anthony Barry have been mentioned as possibilities.
READ HERE: Roy Keane Not Closing Door On Becoming Next Ireland Manager
6 February 2008; Lee Carsley, Republic of Ireland, in action against Julio Baptista, right, and Diego Ribas, Brazil. International Friendly, Republic of Ireland v Brazil, Croke Park, Dublin. Picture credit; Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE
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