Sunderland have New York City FC coach Patrick Vieira on their radar.
The Sun says Vieira tops the emergency list should results not pick up or David Moyes, 53, decides to walk away.
Former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Vieira, 40, is coaching New York City in the MLS but has ambitions to manage in the Premier League.
City see him as a future long-term boss. But there is no plan to bring him in soon — so the Black Cats may be an attractive start for him.