Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce is eyeing the vacant manager's post at Sunderland.

The Times says it is understood that the Wigan Athletic manager would consider an approach to return to his native North East as Ricky Sbragia's successor. The suggestion has been reflected in the betting markets, with the 48-year-old spending much of yesterday as favourite for the role.

That position changed after Gordon Strachan's resignation at Celtic, but it's understood Sunderland have no intention of appointing the Scotsman as a replacement for Sbragia, who tendered his resignation after securing the club's position in the Barclays Premier League. The same applies to Steve McClaren, the former England head coach and now at Twente.