Wales boss Chris Coleman is interested in taking over as manager of Sunderland, Sportsmail can reveal.
We understand the 47-year-old is the club's No 1 pick to replace the sacked Simon Grayson, and should their pursuit be successful then it would represent something of a coup for the Championship's bottom team.
The Welsh FA will meet on Friday to discuss Coleman's future but a return to club management with Sunderland is now a strong possibility.
It is understood that Black Cats chief executive Martin Bain spoke with Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill this week but no job offer was made.