The SFA last moved to head off rival interest in Michael O'Neill by making a formal approach for the Northern Ireland manager on Wednesday night.
English Championship side Sunderland are keen to speak with O'Neill over their vacancy, while the 48-year-old has also been linked as a candidate for the USA job following their failure to reach the World Cup.
Hampden bosses are, however, optimistic of having O'Neill in charge for Scotland's Euro 2020 campaign after identifying him as the preferred successor to Gordon Strachan.
Chief executive Stewart Regan yesterday contacted IFA counterpart Patrick Nelson to seek permission to open talks, with a response still awaited.