Ferguson rules out Republic move

Former Old Trafford full-back Denis Irwin had been quoted as saying there had been "contact" between Ferguson and the Football Association of Ireland.

But Ferguson said: "I don't know where these things start.

"Denis has told me he has not spoken to anyone and doesn't know where it has come from. It is the usual nonsense."

He added: "I made the point last week, after this job I'm finished.

"It is important to clarify this. Ireland have already got a manager. I don't think it is nice to be linked to a job that someone is already in."

The Football Association of Ireland will discuss Kerr's position at a meeting in Dublin on Tuesday.

Irwin was quoted as telling the Daily Star: "My very reliable sources say there has been contact between the FAI and my old boss.

"Of course he's denying it, he's under contract to United, but that doesn't mean he won't be Republic manager when our next competitive games come round."

The future of Kerr is unclear following last week's failure to qualify for next year's World Cup finals in Germany.

As a former United and Republic player, Irwin has a foot in both camps, and claims to have heard from both sides that contact has been made about a possible move.

"He would be a brilliant choice," said Irwin.

"Alex would never manage England, so Ireland, a country and people he knows well, would be the one for him."