Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill turns down Stoke job offer to replace sacked Mark Hughes
The former Sunderland boss verbally agreed a two-year contract extension with the Football Association of Ireland in October
MARTIN O'NEILL has joined the growing list of managers to turn down the chance to take over at Stoke City.
The Republic of Ireland boss was linked to the Potters following the dismissal of Mark Hughes.
O'Neill was in talks with the Premier League side, and the club's hierarchy had hoped to seal the deal over the weekend.
But the 65-year-old has rejected the offer after he verbally agreed a two-year contract extension with the Football Association of Ireland in October.
He is expected to sign the new deal before the Uefa Nations League draw in Lausanne 24 January.
Despite initially interest in the Stoke vacancy, the ex-Aston Villa manager made it clear that he would not accept a short-term deal.
The Potters have now missed out on three of their top targets after Hughes was axed earlier this month.
Top target Gary Rowett snubbed the Stoke move to pen a new deal with Derby County.
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And Quique Sanchez Flores turned down the offer last week after he announced that he would be sticking with Espanyol.
The struggling side had hoped to have a new manager in the dugout for Monday night's clash against Manchester United.
But first-team coach Eddie Niedzwiecki will continue his spell as the caretaker boss.
Stoke, who are slumped in the relegation zone, enter the match on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Coventry in the FA Cup.
