Next Sunderland manager: David Moyes turns down a return to England with the Black Cats

The Real Sociedad manager reportedly held talks with the club on Thursday

Moyes became Real Sociedad manager in November 2014 (Getty Images)

The former Manchester United and Everton manager David Moyes has turned down the chance to return to English football as Sunderland manager, according to reports.

Moyes, who led Real Sociedad to twelfth place in La Liga last season, had been considered one of the favourites for the vacant post after the expiry of Dick Advocaat's short-term deal with the Black Cats.

However, the Daily Mail says that Moyes has opted to stay with Sociedad following talks with Sunderland, who lost just one of their last six games to secure their Premier League status, on Thursday.

The Scot remains a candidate for the West Ham job following the club's sacking of Sam Allardyce after the last Premier League game of the season, but is thought to be reluctant to leave the Basque club after just six months. Sociedad has a tradition of British managers after the Welshmen Chris Coleman and John Toshack enjoyed spells there.

The Black Cats also seem likely to miss out on Paul Clement, another of their managerial targets, with the Real Madrid assistant coach seemingly set to succeed Steve McClaren as Derby County manager.

McClaren, who was sacked by the Rams after failing to secure promotion to the Premier League, now joins the list of Sunderland's potential targets which also includes Sam Allardyce, Sean Dyche and Kevin Phillips, who scored 113 league goals for the club.