The FAI claims to be unaware of any link between Italian Giovanni Trapattoni and the vacant Republic of Ireland's manager's job, despite reports to the contrary this evening.
The Italian is the latest name to be linked with the job on day 99 of the search for Steve Staunton's successor.
According to reports, which yet again appear to be stoked by betting trends, Trapattoni is currently in discussions with the association on a contract and is close to an agreement.
The three-man recruitment panel, led by caretaker manager Don Givens, is hopeful of recommending a candidate to the FAI board before the friendly against Brazil on February 6th and could even have a name by the end of the week.
Givens last week insisted that he had yet to reveal a name to the FAI even though he had already met with the board to update the 10 men on the search.
Former England manager Terry Venables remains the frontrunner for the job, however, with Frenchman Gerard Houllier not far behind. Other potential candidates touted include Liam Brady, Kenny Dalglish and Jean Tigana.
If the 68-year-old Italian was named it would represent quite a coup for the association, given the Italian's standing in the game and a CV that boasts one seven Serie A titles as well as a European Cup with Juventus.
Former Ireland international Brady won two of those titles with Juve, in 1981 and 1982.
Trapattoni also won a Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich in 1997, a Portugese championship with Benfica and an Austrian league title with Red Bull Salzburg last year.
He managed Italy between 2000 and 2004 during which time he brought them to the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea where they failed to live up to expectations, eventually being ousted by the latter in the second round.
The search for next manager has been a longwinded affair, for fans and players at least, and a new favourite emerges daily.
Today was no different as a betting frenzy began on the Italian in the early afternoon. Yesterday, according to Paddy Power, his odds were at 150/1. He is now as short as 7/4 with the Irish bookmaker.
On Betfair his odds were slashed as well, but this has happened on numerous occasions since Staunton's sacking, with the only real winners being the bookies and some wily punters.
