O'Neill/Keane v Giggs/Scholes? - New Welsh boss in talks with former Manchester United teammate to join backroom team

Scholes was called upon by Giggs, along with Nicky Butt and Phil Neville, to join his temporary staff when he was in interim charge of Manchester United in 2014, following the sacking of David Moyes.

Giggs’ first game in charge after he was given the role was Wales national team manager this month is against China at the end of May in the China Cup and he wants to finalise his backroom staff as early as possible.

While Butt has a prominent role in United’s youth set-up and Neville has been confirmed as England Women’s manager, Scholes does not hold a coaching post and would therefore be free to join Giggs at Wales.

“I speak to Scholesy all the time,” said Giggs after Wales were drawn with Republic of Ireland and Denmark in the Uefa Nations League. “I saw him Saturday at Salford City - but there are no names who are concrete.

“I am talking to lots of people and I do not want to mention individuals. I obviously know Scholesy really well. We will see what happens."

“It is a balance. A balance about getting experience, fresh ideas - someone who can improve the Welsh team. It is my first job (in management), so if you have someone with experience, it is a bonus.

“We are getting there (with coaching team). Nothing concrete at the moment - only Tony Roberts as goalkeeper coach who will carry on, someone I know well from my playing career with Wales."

If Scholes goes join Giggs' backroom team it will set up a mouthwatering tactical battle between Martin O'Neill, Roy Keane, Giggs and Scholes.

Ireland begin their UEFA Nations League campaign in Cardiff on September 6.