Former Sunderland boss Chris Coleman is becoming a strong contender to become the new manager of the Republic of Ireland, according to the Independent.
Ireland are looking for a new boss and have been holding talks with England Under-21s coach Lee Carsley.
Birmingham-born Carsley won 40 caps for Ireland as a player and the country’s football association have been keen to appoint him.
Talks though have not progressed and it is considered to now be difficult for Ireland to convince Carsley to take the post.
Now former Sunderland boss Coleman is emerging as the man who could take charge.
Coleman was in charge at the Stadium of Light from November 2017 until April 2018, but registered a win percentage of just 17 as he had a spell to forget in the north east.
Since leaving Sunderland, Coleman has had stints at Chinese club Hebei China Fortune and Greek outfit Atromitos.
His work in charge of the Wales side between 2012 and 2017 is a major draw for Ireland.
