Sunderland are getting closer to appointing new manager with a name that has never been mentioned a candidate, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The Black Cats were in the running for the playoffs when Tony Mowbray was sacked last year and his successor Michael Beale lasted only a few months.
Interim boss Mike Dodds remained in charge for the last few months as Sunderland ended the season by finishing 16th in the Championship.
Sunderland have been working on identifying candidates who could come in as their new manager in the summer.
And it has been claimed that the club are getting closer to sorting out the appointment of their new manager.
A number of names are in the fray and the club are considering a number of options ahead of a final decision.
One of the candidates is claimed to be someone who has not been mentioned in the media.
However, the club are close to identifying the man they want to be in charge of the team next season.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl and former Reims boss Will Still are two of the names who have been linked with the job.
