The Scottish FA has made an official approach to their Northern Ireland counterparts for permission to speak to Michael O'Neill.
O'Neill, 48, is the SFA's preferred candidate to succeed Gordon Strachan as Scotland manager.
Strachan left in October following Scotland's failure to reach the World Cup play-offs.
O'Neill has been in charge of Northern Ireland for six years but just missed out on World Cup qualification.
The former Brechin City and Shamrock Rovers boss is under contract until 2020, on a deal believed to be worth £500,000 a year.
More to follow.
Source: bbc.com