Wigan Athletic manager Paul Cook is interested in speaking to Sunderland about their vacant managerial position, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has claimed.

Sunderland are searching for a new boss following the sacking of Jack Ross on Tuesday, with the Black Cats currently sixth in the League One standings.

Downie had previously reported that Sunderland have requested permission to speak to five managers who are currently in work about taking over at the Stadium of Light, one of which was said to be Wycombe's Gareth Ainsworth.

Providing an update on the situation at Sunderland, Downie has revealed that Wigan's Cook is another one of those Sunderland have requested permission to speak to, while also claiming that that the 52-year-old is 'keen' to speak to the North East club about the vacancy.

Cook took over as Wigan manager in May 2017, winning the League One title in his debut campaign at The DW Stadium to guide the Latics to an immediate promotion back to the Championship.

After finishing 18th in the second tier last season, Wigan have won three and drawn two of their opening 11 league games this season, leaving them 19th in the current Championship standings.

The Verdict

This will be a concern for Wigan.

Despite the fact that they have not had the most impressive of starts to the season, I don't think they will want to suddenly want to lose their manager to a side in the division below without any replacement lined up.

I do however think that Cook could be a good appointment for Sunderland, given his previous history of winning promotion from League One with Wigan.

Having also worked with a certain Will Grigg at The DW Stadium, hiring Cook could finally see Sunderland get the best out of their big-money buy from January, who has yet to hit top form while at the Stadium of Light.

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