Croatia coach Slaven Bilic is the bookies' favourite for the Sunderland job.

The Times says Bilic was installed as the new bookmakers' favourite last night to become Sunderland's next manager, but it is understood that the Croatia head coach is not among the leading contenders to succeed Roy Keane. The price at William Hill on Bilic replacing Keane fell from 12-1 to 6-4.

A spokesman for the company said: "You have to think that there is some substance to the gamble as they are still backing Slaven."

However, the development prompted bemusement at the Stadium of Light, with the club focusing their attention elsewhere. Bilic, the former West Ham United and Everton defender, is regarded highly, but the betting market does not reflect the strength of his candidacy.