Sunderland has renewed negotiations with Bernd Schuster about the manager's job.
A Sunderland representative met with Schuster and his agent in a Madrid hotel yesterday. The meeting broke up in a positive fashion, with both parties happy with the progress.
TMW says Sunderland are returning to the former Real Madrid and Getafe coach after first making contact a fortnight ago.
Sunderland's interest had been shelved, as they pursued Sam Allardyce and Real Sociedad boss David Moyes, but after running into dead ends, have revived talks with Schuster
During yesterday's meeting, Schuster recommended five potential senior signings and also insisted a coach, on his recommendation, be added to the Academy staff.
A three-year deal is being discussed and both parties will meet again early next week.