Frank Rijkaard would consider a move to the Premiership - at Sunderland. When asked about talk of the Black Cats approaching Rijkaard, his agent, Perry Overeem, told the Sunday Sun: "As far as I know, there has been no contact."

But Overeem added: "We have spoken about things, of course, and agreed on the fact that every serious offer which comes our way will be taken seriously.

"We will see what happens, but he has not ruled out any option whatsoever."

Black Cats chairman Niall Quinn and the Sunderland board met on Thursday to discuss a shortlist of targets, with US-based majority shareholder Ellis Short understood to have contributed via conference call.

Short, however, is keen to leave the selection process to Quinn and the club's Irish investors.