The FAI today started negotiating terms with the man, widely believed to be Brian Kerr, they want to succeed Mick McCarthy as the next manager of the Republic of Ireland.
An FAI source, though refusing to reveal the candidate's identity, revealed the appointment will most likely be officially announced on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Former Middlesbrough manager and England captain Bryan Robson and ex-Japan manager Philippe Troussier are thought to have come close to landing the job, but most pundits believe the FAI have plumped for youth coach Kerr.
Kerr, who is reported to have been offered a three-year deal, is expected to appoint former Ireland and Tottenham full-back Chris Hughton as his assistant.
Kerr, a former manager of St Patrick's Athletic, whom he twice guided to the double in the 1990s, achieved unprecedented success as boss of the underage sides.
Under his stewardship, Ireland won the 1998 European championships at both under-16 and under-18 level and finished third in the 1999 World Youth Cup in Malaysia.
Yesterday, the 49 year-old enjoyed yet another success after his under-20s team beat France in a prestigious four-team tournament in Abu Dhabi.
Kerr is not only the preferred choice of the majority of the media and public, but is also admired by most of the Ireland's senior players, many of whom have already played for him during their junior careers.
If he does get the job, Kerr would replace Mick McCarthy, who resigned last October after Ireland lost their opening two matches in the Euro 2004 qualifiers.