Sunderland have confirmed former Preston North End manager Simon Grayson as the new boss at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats were granted permission to speak to Grayson on Thursday morning, after the proposed sale of the club to a German consortium was called off.
A compensation package of around £750,000 has been agreed with North End for Grayson, who had been at the club since 2013. He is expected to be joined by long-time assistant Steve Thompson.
Sunderland, who have already released staff Paul Bracewell, Simon Wilson and Mick Doherty, turned to Grayson after being turned down by Derek McInnes and Nigel Pearson.