Sunderland are planning to interview to Roy Keane over what would be a sensational return to the Stadium of Light.
Sportsmail understands the club’s hierarchy are hoping to speak with the former boss in the coming days.
Keane, who led the Black Cats to the Championship title in 2007, has strong support from within the club and is seen as the type of character they need to reignite their League One promotion push.
Sunderland sacked manager Lee Johnson on Sunday on the back of a 6-0 defeat at Bolton which left them third in the table.