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Michael O'Neill offered new six-year contract to remain as Northern Ireland boss

OSLO, NORWAY - OCTOBER 08: The manager of Northern Ireland Michael O'Neill inspects the pitch before the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Norway and N
Image: Michael O'Neill has been linked with the vacant Scotland deal

Michael O'Neill has been offered a new six-year contract to remain as Northern Ireland manager until 2023, Sky Sports News understands.

If the 48-year-old agrees, the deal will make him the highest paid manager in Northern Ireland's history.

O'Neill has been considering his future in the role he has held for the last six years after Northern Ireland failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

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Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis says the whole team want Michael O'Neill to stay, despite failing to qualify for the World Cup

The former Northern Ireland player, who signed a new four-year contract in March 2016 after successfully qualifying for a first European Championships, was given permission to speak to the Scottish FA last week.

O'Neill has also reportedly been of interest to a number of English clubs including West Brom and Sunderland, but Sky Sports News reported last week that he was not interested in taking over the Black Cats, who have now appointed Chris Coleman.

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Ex-Scotland striker Chris Iwelumo thinks O'Neill is the ideal candidate to replace Gordon Strachan

The vacant job as USA head coach is also understood to have been appealing but it has its complications, with the USA unable to appoint new boss until it has a new association president next February.

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St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright is understood to be the early favourite with the Irish FA to take over should close friend and former colleague O'Neill leave his role.

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