Harry Redknapp plays down Sunderland link

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp has insisted that he has not been contacted about the vacant manager's job at Sunderland.

The Black Cats are looking for a new boss after parting company with head coach Dick Advocaat on Sunday.

It has been suggested that Redknapp has a close relationship with Sunderland chairman Ellis Short, but the 68-year-old has denied that this is the case.

When asked if he is close with Short, Redknapp told talkSPORT: "No, not really.

"I have been and played in a golf day up at Skibo Castle, which he owns, but I have never spoken to anyone about the job and no one has ever asked me about anything."

Sunderland are 19th in the Premier League after taking three points from eight games.