Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has confirmed that he is close to agreeing a new four-year contract with the Irish Football Association.
O'Neill's current deal is due to expire after next year's Euro 2016 finals in France, which Northern Ireland qualified for - their first major tournament in 30 years.
Speaking of the possible new deal, O'Neill told the Belfast Telegraph: "We're well down the line, discussions have been very positive to date.
"I don't envisage everything being signed and sealed before Christmas but we haven't hit any stumbling blocks yet. I'd imagine it'll come to a conclusion some time in the New Year."
O'Neill's success with the national team saw him named Coach of the Year at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year event on Sunday and he has been linked with a return to club management.
Although he is open to the idea, the 46-year-old is not going to rush into any move.
"While I would look at those [offers] if and when they came along, they're not something that I'm actively seeking," he added.
"I'm not out there saying to an agent 'you need to get me a club job now'. If it comes along and presents itself, I would evaluate it."
Northern Ireland also announced their pre-Euro 2016 friendly programme today, with two matches in March, one of which is against Slovenia at Windsor Park on March 28, as well as two more shortly before the tournament begins in June.
Pascal Lemesre
