Simon Grayson is expected to hold talks with Preston North End over his future on Thursday as he considers a move to Sunderland.
The 47-year-old is the leading candidate to succeed David Moyes at the Stadium of Light after Nigel Pearson ruled himself out of the running at the weekend.
Talks with a German consortium to take over Sunderland are understood to have stalled and the club are keen to get a manager in place with players reporting back for pre-season on Thursday.
Grayson is due to meet club advisor Peter Ridsdale as he discusses his options.