Sunderland have reportedly sounded out Sam Allardyce to become their manager should Dick Advocaat leave his post following the club's poor start to the season.
The Black Cats have lost their opening two matches of the campaign to Leicester City and Norwich City, leaving them bottom of the Premier League.
Advocaat was brought back on a one-year contract after guiding the Black Cats to safety last term, but he has revealed his frustration with his side following their opening two defeats.
The Dutchman refused to be drawn on his future, but he has reportedly grown disappointed with the lack of transfer activity on Wearside over the summer, leading to suggestions that he may leave to go into retirement.
As a result, Sunderland have lined up a move for Allardyce to replace the 67-year-old at the club, reports The Mirror.
Allardyce played for the Black Cats between 1980 and 1981, and was also on their coaching staff in 1996 for a spell under Peter Reid.
Simon Sinclair
