Representatives of the FAI are set to meet with Terry Venables over the coming week or so to formally gauge the 64-year-old's interest in succeeding Steve Staunton as manager of the Republic of Ireland. Informal contact has already been established through third parties, however, and both parties now appear keen to discuss directly the possibility of the Englishman taking over.
There were reports over the weekend that Venables would definitely be offered the job amid suggestions from within the association that he was seen as the "outstanding" candidate of those that had emerged so far.
John Delaney last night attempted to play down the stories, however, describing them as "speculation", and it is understood Venables has not yet been formally contacted.
Still, his candidacy appears to have gained considerable momentum since Paul Jewell ruled himself out in the middle of last week and he, Venables, was dismissed, along with Steve McClaren, by the English FA.
The feedback from a range of senior figures within the game who have been canvassed from their views on who might be best suited to fill the vacancy has apparently been mixed but former Irish internationals have been positive about Venables's credentials as a coach and his reputation among players he has worked with.
A number of the current squad's senior figures are also have believed to have been generally positive about the former England manager when they spoke with Delaney on the eve of the Wales game.
Venables was previously keen to land the post when it became vacant and is anxious to be in sole charge of a national team again. His recent ventures into club management, though, have been less than a resounding success and there are said to be some reservations about him at FAI board level.
Nevertheless, he ticks many of the boxes Steve Staunton clearly did not when he was appointed two years ago and he now looks to be in a strong position to land the job, the salary package on offer not expected to present a major obstacle.
The most prominent alternative is Gerard Houllier.
Delaney met the former Ireland skipper Andy Townsend while in London on Friday and there is a suggestion this was with a view to sounding him out about taking on a role in the new management team, possibly as assistant to Venables, rather than part of the association's reported attempt to recruit a third intermediary.
The latter objective is still officially said to be Delaney's priority though he would only talk about the process in vague terms after yesterday's World Cup draw in Durban.
"We've spoken to about 25 people over the last couple of weeks in terms of the type of manager we should have," he said.
"A number of people have contacted us saying they would like to have the job and there is certainly a greater level of interest this time than last.
"We've got a better squad now than 18 months ago, a better playing pool. Secondly we are in a better financial position this time round and are prepared to put more money on the table. Our preference would be to have someone in place before the Brazil game."
It has been confirmed, meanwhile, that Bobby Robson has been taking soundings from established management figures, including Alex Ferguson, Don Howe and Howard Wilkinson, in the British game as to likely candidates for the job.
