The Scottish FA has made an official approach to their Northern Ireland counterparts for permission to speak to Michael O'Neill, reports BBC Sport.

The 48 year old is the SFA's preferred candidate to succeed Gordon Strachan as Scotland manager.

O'Neill has been in charge of Northern Ireland for six years but just missed out on World Cup qualification.

The former Brechin City and Shamrock Rovers boss is under contract until 2020, on a deal believed to be worth £500,000 a year.