West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce is in the frame for the Sunderland job.
The Daily Mail says Allardyce will be a contender for the Sunderland manager's job if Gus Poyet is sacked.
Poyet is under mounting pressure at the Stadium of Light after an alarming slide down the table, culminating in Saturday's dreadful loss against Aston Villa which sparked a supporter revolt.
Allardyce, who used to play for Sunderland, will be high on owner Ellis Short's wanted list if he decides to make a change.
Allardyce has admirers at Sunderland after helping the Hammers consolidate their position in the Premier League.
His deal with West Ham is due to expire in June.