Martin O'Neill 'turns down Stoke City approach'

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill has reportedly turned down an approach from Stoke City to take over at the bet365 Stadium.

The Potters are understood to have made O'Neill their number one target to replace Mark Hughes after the Welshman was sacked following his side's FA Cup defeat to League Two side Coventry City last weekend.

The Telegraph reports that Stoke have been locked in discussions with O'Neill over the past 72 hours and at one stage appeared to have convinced the 65-year-old to step down from his role with the Irish national team.

However, O'Neill is now understood to have rejected the offer as he is unwilling to break the verbal agreement he had given the Football Association of Ireland when he was offered a new two-year contract in October.

The former Leicester City and Sunderland boss would have been in line for a substantial pay rise at the bet365 Stadium, but has now made a final decision to continue his four-year reign on the international stage.

Stoke are already understood to have been turned down by former Watford boss Quique Flores in their search for a new manager, while Derby County's Gary Rowett recently signed a new contract at the iPro Stadium.

The Potters currently sit in the relegation zone of the Premier League ahead of Monday night's match against Manchester United at Old Trafford.