Former Sunderland midfielder Paul Bracewell is being linked with a senior role on Sam Allardyce's staff.
Allardyce wants an assistant in place before Sunday's Wear-Tyne derby and the Evening Chronicle says Bracewell is under consideration.
Bracewell stepped up from the Black Cats' academy set-up to work as first team coach when Dick Advocaat arrived on Wearside in March, and he became the Dutchman's number two when Advocaat's long-time assistant Bert van Lingen decided to retire over the summer.
Bracewell was in the dugout for Big Sam's first game in charge at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday to provide some continuity, and the 53-year-old now seems likely to become Allardyce's assistant on a long-term basis.