Sunderland have engaged in contract talks with Sam Allardyce and are hoping to tie him down to a deal at the Stadium of Light by the weekend, according to reports.
The Black Cats managerial role is vacant after Dick Advocaat's resignation on Sunday, while Allardyce is a free agent after departing West Ham United in May.
According to the Daily Mail, Sunderland owner Ellis Short has flown in to the UK and is looking to hold talks with Allardyce's representatives.
Other managers rumoured to be on the Wearside club's radar include Burnley's Sean Dyche, former Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson and American Bob Bradley.
