Sunderland have reportedly identified Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder as their top managerial target.
Earlier this week, reports suggested that Leicester City assistant Michael Appleton was at the top of Stewart Donald's shortlist after agreeing a deal to buy the club.
However, according to The Sun, Donald is keen to secure the services of Wilder, whose future at Bramall Lane appears in doubt due to issues behind the scenes.
Donald and Wilder are familiar with each other due to their previous time at Oxford United, and Wilder may welcome the challenge of trying to change Sunderland's fortunes after back-to-back relegations.
The 50-year-old won promotion from League One with the Blades during the 2016-17 campaign but despite a bright start, the Yorkshire outfit have tailed off in the Championship and currently sit in 11th place in the standings.
Darren Plant
