Walter Mazzarri is waiting in the wings to take charge at Sunderland.

The former Sampdoria coach has been out of work since leaving Inter Milan midway through last season.

Mazzarri was in England last weekend and was at Old Trafford for Sunderland's defeat to Manchester United.

The Italian has also been linked with Liverpool and sparked headlines in preseason when attending a Manchester City game at the Etihad.

TMW says Dick Advocaat and Sunderland may part ways if they lose to West Ham United this weekend, with Mazzarri a top contender to succeed the Dutchman.