Sunderland give manager Alex Neil permission to speak to Stoke over managerial vacancy, but admit they are 'committed' to retaining the 51-year-old's services with club fifth in Championship, despite Neil coming close to taking Potters job in the past

Sunderland manager Alex Neil has been given permission to speak to Stoke City about their managerial vacancy.

Michael O'Neill was sacked yesterday just six games into the new season after losing 1-0 to Neil's Sunderland on Saturday.

Neil only joined the Black Cats in February, and helped them back to the Championship at the first time of asking, beating Wycombe in the League One play-off final last year.

Sunderland confirmed the news earlier today in a club statement.

They posted on their club website: 'Sunderland AFC can confirm that Alex Neil has entered into discussions with Stoke City regarding their current managerial vacancy.