Nigel Pearson is among the contenders for the Sunderland job.
The Daily Star Sunday says Sunderland owner Ellis Short is set to go British to replace Dick Advocaat.
And Burnley boss Sean Dyche, 44, was set to get the job in the summer until Advocaat did a late U-turn to stay at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland, though, are also considering other candidates, including former Leicester boss Pearson, 52.
Pearson's grandfather was a Sunderland fan and he has a north-east background as a former Middlesbrough captain and Newcastle coach.