Sunderland are expected to hold discussions with potential candidates for its vacant manager's job during the international break.
The Black Cats' interim boss Robbie Stockdale has hinted that a new head coach could be in place at the Stadium of Light within the next fortnight.
"We have an international break to go into now, I'm sure the club will be having discussions," the Sunderland Echo quotes the caretaker manager as saying.
Stockdale, whose first game in charge was Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough, has refused to rule himself out of the running for the position.
"Listen, it is a conversation to have with the football club," he told reporters when quizzed on whether he wants the job on a permanent basis.
Sunderland have been seeking a new manager since Simon Grayson was sacked on October 31, paying the price for a run of form that included just one win in 15 games.
Ally McCoist and Aitor Karanka have been touted as two of the favourites to replace Grayson.
Mark Langshaw
