A host of big names are chasing the Sunderland job.

Roberto Mancini, Bernd Schuster and Carlos Alberto Parreira head the glamour list for the Black Cats.

Mancini, 44, was most recently at Inter Milan and has coached Fiorentina and Lazio. He is keen to sample the Premier League and has told Sunderland officials he is available.

The calibre of applications has pleased Quinn, who said: "This club is about looking forward and we're looking for someone to excite us.

I have an open mind. I won't be closing the door on anyone."