Sunderland are reportedly planning to turn towards David Moyes to take over should current boss Sam Allardyce depart for the vacant England job.
The Black Cats are said to have a full contingency plan in place after allowing Allardyce to hold talks with Football Association chiefs on Tuesday.
According to The Telegraph, Sunderland owner Ellis Short does not want the search for a new manager to start from scratch should the 61-year-old indeed quit the Stadium of Light, and will therefore begin enquiries in the coming days.
Moyes is the current frontrunner to succeed Allardyce, although Burnley's Sean Dyche and Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs are also thought to be in contention.
Since being sacked as Man United boss in 2014, Moyes has since take charge of La Liga outfit Real Sociedad where he lasted exactly one year before being shown the exit.
