UAE Football Association dismiss speculation linking them with a move for Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni

UAE Football Association (UAE FA) interim committee chairman Yousef Al Serkal has rubbished rumours of a move for Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni to take over the national team's vacant post.

Reports from the Middle East over the weekend suggested the 72-year-old Italian was being courted by the UAE FA.

UAE's national team coaching role is currently occupied by Abdullah Misfir on a temporary basis following Srecko Katanec's dismissal in September.

Big name coaches such as Dick Advocaat, Abel Braga, Marco Van Basten and Diego Maradona has all been linked with the job.

"We are aware of the rumours but cannot confirm any names at this time as the process is still ongoing," Al Serkal told Sport360 last week.

However according to Sport360, Al Serkal dismissed any negotiations or link with Trapattoni who recently signed a two-year extension with the Irish national team following qualification for the 2012 European Championships.

Follow Goal.com Asia on and

for the latest in Asian footballing news, features, and analysis