Fenlon has long been the bookmakers' favourite to be installed as successor to Colin Calderwood, who was sacked as Hibs boss on November 6 following 12 wins in 49 matches and 12 months in charge.

A statement on the Dublin club's website, bohemians.ie, read: "Bohemian FC confirms that Hibernian FC this afternoon (Wednesday, November 23) sought and was given permission to speak to Pat Fenlon about the managerial vacancy at Hibernian."

Billy Brown is currently in caretaker charge of Hibs and led them to a 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock last Saturday.

Hibs are not commenting about the vacancy until it is filled.

Fenlon spent his entire playing career in Ireland and has managed Shelbourne, Derry City and Bohemians, whom he joined in December 2007.

The 42-year-old has won the League of Ireland twice and the Football Association of Ireland Cup twice.

He was linked with Dundee United before the appointment of Peter Houston as boss, but now cash-strapped Bohemians appear to have allowed Fenlon to discuss a move to Edinburgh.

Hibs play St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park in the SPL on Saturday and former Hearts assistant Brown yesterday admitted he may not be in charge for the fixture.

"I know there may possibly be someone here in charge by the end of the week, so I'm well aware of that," Brown told Hibernian TV yesterday.

Hibs last week revealed a shortlist had been drawn up following 90 applications for the job as manager.

Brown has already been interviewed for the role and is keen to step up to the top job following 23 years as assistant to Jim Jefferies, including two spells at Hearts and one at Kilmarnock.

The performance against Killie did little to boost his cause, with the team booed off their own Easter Road pitch at half-time before a slight second-half recovery.

Former Hibs player Michael O'Neill has also been linked with the vacancy, but he has been busy preparing his Shamrock Rovers side for tonight's friendly in Malmo, Sweden.

Rovers' involvement in the Europa League, which continues at Rubin Kazan next week, suggests O'Neill will not be available until their involvement in that competition is complete.