Wells edges towards new IFA deal

IFA chief Wells will announce his decision after Christmas

Howard Wells has said that the Irish FA has asked him to stay on as chief executive of the association for the "foreseeable future".

Wells' current contract runs out on 31 December and there were suggestions he would only be offered a one-year deal.

"I will not be rushed into making a decision," Wells told BBC Sport.

"But I appreciate that the offer which is for the foreseeable future would allow me to see through the important work which I have been carrying out."

It is understood that an offer has been made in writing to Wells.

Reading between the lines, it appears as though Wells is likely to remain on the IFA position although he has said that he will not make a final decision until after Christmas.

Irish FA president Raymond Kennedy said that he expected Wells to remain in the post although he refused to reveal details about the negotiations.

Wells has championed badly-needed reform in the IFA although some of his propsals have been frustrated.

This includes his failure to push through a plan to streamline the body's executive.

Over £4million of government funding for Northern Ireland football is in peril after the proposal didn't receive sufficent support at the body's EGM.

The IFA is expected to make further attempts to push through the streamlining proposal in the New Year.