Former Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni is a target for Sunderland.
The Daily Star says Black Cats chairman Ellis Short has drawn up a list of candidates from home and abroad.
Those on it include Rene Meulensteen, who worked for several years alongside Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Basel manager Murat Yakin and Andrea Stramaccioni, sacked as Inter Milan coach earlier this year, are included.
Burnley's Sean Dyche has emerged as a contender along with out-of-work Alex McLeish and former England boss Steve McClaren, who is currently at QPR with Harry Redknapp.