Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has laughed off claims he could replace Brian Kerr as coach of The Republic of Ireland.

Former Old Trafford full-back Denis Irwin had been quoted as saying there had been some “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.

“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. Ireland missed out on qualification for next year’s World Cup finals and there has been speculation that Kerr will be relieved of his duties.