The Irish Football Association is planning further contract negotiations with Michael O’Neill in the new year.
O’Neill, who has also been linked with the Scotland manager’s job, will be offered a six-year contract to continue as Northern Ireland boss until 2024.
The two sides held preliminary talks before Christmas and have agreed to meet again in early 2018.
O’Neill, who has two years left on his contract, is interested in how the IFA plans to develop their underage teams.
The former Northern Ireland international, 48, has spoken to the association about how they hope to expand their youth development and how his appointment would fit into their long-term plans.
O’Neill was also consulted about the tour of Central America next summer, which will feature friendly internationals against Panama and Costa Rica.
Michael O’Neill fact-file Born 5 July 1969 Began career with Coleraine in Irish League, before joining Newcastle United Played as a midfielder and forward during a 20-year playing career Among the clubs he played for were Dundee United, Hibernian, Coventry City, Wigan Athletic and St Johnstone Made 31 appearances for Northern Ireland, scoring four goals
Was in charge of Brechin City and Shamrock Rovers before being appointed Northern Ireland boss in December 2011
After helping his country to qualify for Euro 2016, O’Neill’s reputation was further enhanced during Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying campaign, which ended in a narrow play-off defeat by Switzerland.
O’Neill is long thought to be the main candidate to replace Gordon Strachan as Scotland National Team manager with the SFA and O’Neill lives in Edinburgh.
Strachan was the first Scotland boss to live outside the country being based on the south coast of England.