Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier is in the frame for the Sunderland job.

The Mirror says Top of the Black Cats' short-list is Houllier, while ex-West Ham and Charlton boss Alan Curbishley also has influential boardroom support.

Majority shareholder Ellis Short believes that Houllier, who won six trophies at Anfield, has solid credentials, while chairman Niall Quinn will make a case for experienced Englishman Curbishley.

Ex-Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has also thrown in his hat.