Sunderland may have a fight on their hands to keep hold of Alex Neil if Burnley are relegated this season with the Scottish coach reportedly on their radar as an option if they're playing Championship football next term. 

The North West club surprised many by sacking Sean Dyche earlier this month, with interim boss Mike Jackson now tasked with leading their fight for survival.

Jackson's made a strong start, having taken four points from two games since Dyche's departure to move to within a point of safety, but it appears the Clarets are already weighing up potential replacements should they drop down into the Championship.

A report from The Sun has revealed that Neil will be added to their list of managerial targets if they are relegated from the Premier League this season.

The 40-year-old's ability to work on a budget is said to be important to Burnley, while they've been impressed with his success at nearby Preston North End and by his promotion experience with Norwich City.

The report claims that the likes of Middlesbrough's Chris Wilder, Luton Town's Nathan Jones, and Braga's Carlos Carvalhal may also be targetted.

Neil only took charge at Sunderland back in February, signing a 12-month rolling contract, and is on course to lead them to the play-offs.

The Verdict

This has to be a concern for Sunderland.

You'd imagine the fact they've not got him on a long-term deal makes them susceptible to interest from elsewhere while Burnley could be an apetising prospect given they'll be coming down from the Premier League.

Were the Clarets to go down and Sunderland fail to go up, you'd imagine it could be hard for Neil to say no to a club that will have aspirations of securing promotion to the top flight next season.

Black Cats supporters will have to hope that the Turf Moor outfit can stay up this term as it seems that will mean they will look elsewhere for Dyche's permanent replacement.