Sunderland have reportedly placed St Mirren boss Jack Ross at the top of their list of candidates to succeed Chris Coleman.
The Black Cats parted company with Coleman at the end of last month following their relegation to the third tier for the first time in 30 years.
Chris Wilder was initially thought to be Sunderland's preferred choice to take charge from this summer, only to verbally agree to stay on at Sheffield United, and the Sunderland Echo suggests that a new name has emerged.
Ross, named PFA Scotland Manager of the Year after guiding St Mirren to the Scottish Championship title, has previously rejected advances from Dundee and is seen as a good choice to guide Sunderland back up the divisions.
A new manager could be appointed at some point next week, as a consortium led by Stewart Donald is expected to complete a takeover in the coming days.
