Lee Johnson is in the running to become the new Sunderland manager, according to Football Insider.

The Black Cats are looking for a replacement for Phil Parkinson, who was sacked on Sunday after failing to earn promotion last term was followed up by a disappointing start to the current season.

And Sunderland's fortunes haven't change in the first game of the post-Parkinson era, after the North East outfit suffered a fourth League One match without victory after drawing with Burton last night.

Former boss Gus Poyet and Dan Cowley have been heavily linked with the managerial position at the Stadium of Light, but Football Insider believe that Johnson is 'firmly' in the running to become be appointed.

Johnson is currently out of a job having been sacked by Bristol City in July, despite turning the Robins into an established Championship club in less than five years.

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If the 39-year-old was to land the role, it would be a first return to League One since he left his job as Barnsley boss back in February 2016 to become Bristol City boss.

The Verdict

Given Johnson's track-record, this would be an outstanding appointment at this level.

He's currently being linked with the Derby County, which is a far more attractive proposition, but if the Stadium of Light hierarchy can come to an agreement, then this would be a massive coup.

Johnson's time at Ashton Gate might have ended in disappointing fashion, but having led the Robins to three top-half finishes in his four full seasons, he did an impressive job overall.