PRIME Minister David Cameron wants Taoiseach Enda Kenny to take up a top EU post, according to reports.
Mr Cameron’s aides have privately enquired about Mr Kenny's interest in heading up the European Commission and European Council.
Yesterday Irish Transport Minister Leo Varadkar confirmed for the first time that the Taoiseach is in the "top three or four" leaders being talked about in Brussels, reports the Belfast Telegraph.
The influential positions come up for grabs next year.
Mr Kenny has been placed at the centre of early rumours following Ireland's successful EU presidency.
The British Prime Minister is believed to rate Mr Kenny highly and feels the Taoiseach would have a greater understanding of Britain's often fraught relationship with the EU than a continental leader.
Mr Cameron has promised to put Britain's EU membership to a vote in 2017, provided he is re-elected.
Mr Kenny has already voiced his opposition to, and concerns about, Britain leaving the EU.