Former USA coach Bob Bradley has allegedly emerged as a surprise contender to become the next Sunderland manager.
Black Cats chairman Ellis Short is lining up Bradley as a fallback option in case he fails to secure the services of first-choice Sam Allardyce, reports the Daily Star.
Bradley became the first American to manage in Europe when he took charge of Norwegian outfit Stabaek last year, transforming them into title contenders just two years after gaining promotion to the country's top flight.
He has reportedly informed the Sunderland hierarchy that he is interested in succeeding Dick Advocaat in the hotseat.
Former Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has also been linked with the post, which became vacant when Advocaat stepped down last Sunday.
