Sunderland have denied suggestions that they are interested in appointing Bernd Schuster as their new manager.

Reports in Italy indicated that the Black Cats were set to hold talks with the German tactician whose most recent job was with Malaga in 2014.

Sky Sports News HQ has revealed that Sunderland have had no contact with Schuster, 55, who has previously managed Shakhtar Donetsk, Real Madrid and Besiktas.

The Wearside club are still on the hunt for a new boss after Dick Advocaat turned down a three-year deal at the culmination of the recently-completed season.