Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley has emerged as Lincoln City’s number one target - and they could make their move as early as this week.
The League One side parted company at the weekend with Michael Appleton after they finished 17th in the table.
The Imps are also thought to be ready to bring Bradley’s assistant Glenn Cronin and Hoops director of football Stephen McPhail to the Sincil Bank Stadium.
Lincoln are not the first English side to be linked with Bradley - MK Dons were interested in the Dubliner last summer.
However, the difference is that City consider him their top target, whereas with MK Dons he was on their shortlist.
Just before the end of last season, Bradley was asked if he can fulfil his managerial ambitions at Rovers and replied: “I have to focus on getting this title first of all.
“You can't plan in football. If I turn around to you and say I want to manage X tomorrow, or in two weeks time, you can lose a few games and you're sacked.
“In football it can change so quickly. All my focus is genuinely on winning the league and then we'll put a plan in place for where we go.
“Whatever happens regarding me personally will look after itself in the future. I’m a firm believer in what will be, will be. What's meant for you won't pass you by."
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts