Aberdeen have announced that they have "reluctantly" given permission for Sunderland to speak to manager Derek McInnes.
The Black Cats have turned their attention to the Scotsman following the departure of David Moyes, who resigned from his position in May.
Reports emerged earlier this week claiming that Sunderland plan to approach McInnes, and now Aberdeen have given an update on the situation.
A statement on the club's official website read: "The club can confirm that early this afternoon Sunderland FC agreed to meet all the contractual obligations for both Derek McInnes and Tony Docherty and they have, reluctantly, been granted permission to speak with both of them about the vacant managerial position at Sunderland. Aberdeen FC will be making no further comment at this moment in time."
McInnes has managed three clubs in his career so far, namely St Johnstone, Bristol City and Aberdeen, where he has been in charge since 2013.
