Sunderland will turn down any approach from Sven Goran Eriksson.
The People says the Black Cats are ready to look abroad for a new manager even if Ricky Sbragia saves them from relegation.
But the Black Cats will say "thanks but no thanks" to Eriksson.
Ellis Short, the major shareholder at the Stadium of Light, is keen to put more money into the club but only on the condition he has more say in the next manager and he favours a man from the continent.
Development director Chris Woerts has started the search for a new boss and has drawn up a short-list of Ronald Koeman, Louis van Gaal, Martin Jol and Roberto Mancini.