Stoke City have ruled Slaven Bilic out of the running to replace Mark Hughes as their next permanent manager, according to a report.
The 49-year-old was sacked by West Ham United two months ago following a poor start to the campaign, winning just two of their opening 11 Premier League games.
Bilic was heavily tipped to return to top-flight management with Stoke, having been installed as the joint-favourite with some bookmakers.
Sky Sports News claims that the Potters intend to look elsewhere for Hughes's successor, however, and a separate report indicates that Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill is their leading candidate.
Stoke chiefs are said to have made contact with O'Neill's camp, with The Telegraph reporting that talks are now expected to take place in the coming days.
Gary Rowett, another rumoured option for the relegation-threatened club, signed a new long-term deal with Derby County on Tuesday evening.
Daniel Lewis
