Roy Keane's odds to be the next Republic of Ireland manager continue to shorten after news emerged that the Manchester United legend held talks with the FAI over the vacant role.
It is understood that Keane met the association three times a number of months ago and that the former Ireland captain and FAI had different views on the salary that would be offered.
However, since news of the meetings emerged, Keane's odds have continued to plummet, with Paddy Power reporting that he has been backed from 50/1 into 6/1.
READ MORE: FAI 'held talks with Roy Keane' over Ireland manager's job
A spokesperson for the firm said: "Roy Keane has been backed off the boards over night from 50/1 the whole way into 6/1. Our poor traders are afraid to take their eyes off the market for a second."
Boylesports have gone even shorter with Keane's odds to be the next Ireland boss, currently 3/1, while he is between 4/1 and 6/1 with a number of others.
Meanwhile, Oddschecker report that a staggering 73% of all bets placed on the market on Thursday morning were put on Keane.
Oddschecker’s Leon Blackman: “A huge shift in the next Republic of Ireland betting market as Roy Keane has emerged as a top contender to replace Michael Kenny. Starting Thursday morning at 25/1, a wave of support for Keane has seen the bookies peg him as the 3/1 favourite alongside Gus Poyet.
"Analysis of Oddschecker data reveals nearly three-quarters of all bets (73%) on Thursday morning have backed Keane for the role. This market will be one to watch to see if bookies continue to cut his odds throughout Thursday.”
Keane, who won 67 caps for his country, expressed his interest in returning to work in international football earlier this year, having worked as Martin O'Neill's Ireland assistant from 2013 to 2018.
He told Sky Sports’ Stick to Football podcast in January: “Yeah, international football – I enjoyed it when I was a coach for a while. I like the dynamics of it, where you’re not in every day, and it’s not about bringing players in and I suppose dealing with the board every week or the academy.
“Yeah, that does appeal. I did like the dynamics when I was coaching with Martin with the Irish team. We had a little bit of success, and when you’ve had a little bit of success, then it’s brilliant, and obviously there are disappointments. So, yeah, that could be an option.”
Keane has not managed in his own right since leaving Ipswich in 2011.
Next Republic of Ireland Manager | Odds | Implied Probability |
Gus Poyet | 3/1 | 25% |
Roy Keane | 3/1 | 25% |
John O’Shea | 5/1 | 16.7% |
Willy Sagnol | 5/1 | 16.7% |
Robbie Keane | 10/1 | 9.1% |
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