Sam Allardyce was always Sunderland owner Ellis Short's No1 target to succeed Dick Advocaat.

The Daily Star Sunday says Big Sam, 60, knocked back Sunderland's initial approach to replace Dick Advocaat, as he enjoyed a break from the game.

But the perseverance of Black Cats owner Short has paid off.

Allardyce, who left West Ham at the end of last season, was Short's first choice to try to save the club from relegation.

And Ellis pursued his target – despite Sean Dyche, Nigel Pearson and David Moyes also being in Sunderland's thinking – deciding to appoint an English boss after three foreign head coaches.

Short is desperate to avoid relegation with the new £5billion TV deal kicking in next season.