Sunderland have made formal contact with Aberdeen over Derek McInnes as they seek a new manager, it is understood.
The Black Cats have been seeking a replacement for David Moyes since he resigned last month in the wake of relegation to the Championship, and they appear to have honed in on Dons boss McInnes.
It is understood Sunderland have now officially approached Aberdeen regarding the manager who led the Pittodrie side to a runners-up finish in last season's Scottish Premiership and two cup finals.
All three clubs relegated out of the Premier League started the summer looking for new bosses and Sunderland are the only one still managerless after Hull appointed Leonid Slutsky and Middlesbrough recruited Garry Monk.