The Black Cats have been in the market for a new manager since sacking Lee Johnson earlier this month following a mauling away at Bolton Wanderers in League One which raised real questions about their promotion chances.
Former Black Cats boss Keane emerged as the early contender to return to managing Sunderland 13 years after he left the club in 2009.
Sunderland have also been keen to hold talks with others as well but the former Ireland international is claimed to be the board’s first choice.
Talks are still ongoing between the two sides and now it has been claimed that an appointment is likely to be finalised by the weekend.
Sunderland are close to agreeing upon a deal with Keane but nothing has been finalised yet and there remain other candidates in the mix.
Keane’s last job in management was in 2011 at Ipswich and he has not been in the dugout in any capacity since 2019.
The former midfielder is the board’s preference as they believe he has the character to get Sunderland promoted to the Championship this season.
Sunderland are fourth in League One and are gunning for automatic promotion at the end of the campaign.
