The Black Cats are on the hunt for a manager after sacking Lee Johnson following a horrendous defeat at the hands of Bolton Wanderers.
One name that has been strongly linked has been that of Keane, who has already enjoyed a spell with the Black Cats as manager.
In that spell, Keane guided the club to a promotion and now getting out of League One and into the Championship is the priority for the Black Cats.
Discussions have taken place between Keane and the Sunderland hierarchy, but the Black Cats have not taken the next step yet.
There is no job offer on the table for Keane and the talks held between the parties do not amount to a job interview.
Despite this, the former boss remains the first choice for the Black Cats, but they also have other names on the list.
Sunderland are currently in the League One playoff places and they are looking to ensure that the next managerial appointment has the pedigree to get them automatic promotion at the end of the season.
