Leicester City assistant manager Michael Appleton has admitted that reports linking him to the Sunderland job were flattering to hear.
Former Black Cats boss Chris Coleman was sacked by the club in April, with assistant Robbie Stockdale taking temporary charge until the end of the season.
Appleton is one of the leading contenders for the permanent job, having also been linked to the managerial position at West Bromwich Albion.
"Look, Sunderland is a big club and it's always nice to be linked with clubs like that," Appleton told BBC Radio 5 live.
"Sunderland is certainly a big job and it's nice to be mentioned as a potential candidate. But ultimately, from my point of view, I'll be focusing everything I do on Leicester City until I'm told otherwise.
"Every manager would like that backing [of patience], but in today's game it's very rare you're given much time. But to build a club and a style and a relationship with fans, you are only going to get that with time. Ultimately at Sunderland for too long that hasn't been the case."
Sunderland have now suffered back-to-back relegations and will play the 2018-19 season in League One.
Matthew Jones
