The 45-year-old guided the Dons to second place in the top-flight in 2016-17, prompting the Black Cats to seek him out as David Moyes' successor
Aberdeen have given Sunderland permission to open negotiations with Derek McInnes as they look to appoint him manager, the Scottish club confirmed.
The Black Cats are looking to appoint the successor to David Moyes as they prepare for life in the Championship, having finished bottom in the Premier League last season.
After making an approach to Aberdeen for their manager and assistant Tony Docherty, Sunderland look to have found their man.