Former Bristol City boss Lee Johnson has reportedly emerged as one of the leading contenders for the vacant Sunderland job, which has drawn a frustrated response from many fans of the North East club.

Phil Parkinson was sacked on Sunday with the Black Cats sitting 8th in League One and without a win in their last five games.

According to Football Insider, sources close to the club have revealed that Johnson is firmly in the running to take charge at the Stadium of Light.

The report claims he is one of the leading contenders to be Parkinson's permanent replacement.

The 39-year-old coach has been jobless since he was sacked by Bristol City in the summer but his achievements with the Robins should not be overlooked.

He came in and steered them clear of relegation in their first season back in the Championship and then helped them establish themselves in the second tier.

During his tenure, Johnson's men were regularly pushing for the play-offs and even made it to the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Danny Cowley, Nigel Pearson, and Paul Cook are the other names that have been linked with taking charge of the Black Cats.

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It appears Johnson isn't particularly popular among parts of the Stadium of Light faithful, with many fans taking to Twitter to reject the suggestion that he could take charge.

Read their reactions here: