Sam Allardyce to Sunderland: Black Cats approach former Newcastle United boss over vacant managerial post

The former Newcastle United manager is interested in a short-term deal at the club

Allardyce played for the club during a short spell in the early 1980s (Getty Images)

Sam Allardyce has reportedly been offered the vacant maagerial position at Sunderland, with club officials confident that he will join.

The Black Cats' sporting director Lee Congerton has, according to the Mirror, held talks with the former Newcastle United manager.

Allardyce, who parted company with West Ham United at the end of last season after four years at Upton Park, was believed to want to stay out of the game and enjoy a long break.

However, the 60-year-old, who played for the club for a brief period in the 1980s, is said to be ready to return to management, provided his contract at the Stadium of Light is short-term.

Congerton handed his notice to Sunderland chief Ellis Short last weekend a day before former manager Dick Advocaat resigned. He and the club would like their first-choice candidate to sign a longer term deal but Allardyce is reluctant.

The club have also spoken to former Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson but Allardyce, with his longer track-record of Premier League management, is their preferred candidate.

Sunderland are still winless in the Premier League this season and sit second-bottom of the table, level on points with rivals Newcastle.

Advocaat saved the club from the drop last season and was convinced to stay on for another year despite planning to retire.

The Dutchman left the club as a popular figure among supporters who have witnessed relegation dogfight after relegation dogfight in recent years.

Independent Football