Coleman keen to extend Wales stay

Wales boss Chris Coleman is hopeful that his future in the role will be sorted out before the start of Euro 2016.

The 45-year-old’s current contract runs out after the tournament but his stock is currently extremely high, having guided his country to their first major championship since the 1958 World Cup.

Since taking the job in 2012, Coleman has helped his side steadily improve and has found a system that gets the most out of Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale going forward while also maintaining defensive stability.

After being drawn in Group B alongside England, Russia and Slovakia, the Welsh will fancy themselves to cause a mini-upset by reaching the last 16 in France and are currently 5.00 to top the group, with the Three Lions at 1.80.

Coleman’s success and knowledge of the squad means he remains the obvious choice to guide the team towards the 2018 World Cup.

Ahead of the upcoming international friendlies against Northern Ireland and Ukraine, the former Fulham boss admits he is hopeful negotiations will reach a successful conclusion before the Euro 2016 begins.

“Ideally, it will be done before we go to the tournament. We have a bit of time to make sure we concentrate on that,” Coleman said. “The powers-that-be know me. They know I just want to get my head down with these two games.

“In the next one (negotiation) we could nail it. Maybe it will take longer. Ideally you want it done sooner rather than later.”