The Scottish Sun has revealed that Sunderland would have to stump up a £750,000 compensation fee to the Irish FA if they wish to make Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill their new boss.

48-year-old O’Neill is one of the highest regarded managers in British football having led the Green and White Army to Euro 2016, before a heartbreaking World Cup playoff defeat to Switzerland last night.

O’Neill’s men drew 0-0 in Basle, but a 1-0 loss in the first leg at Windsor Park courtesy of an extremely controversial penalty decision robbed the country from a first World Cup appearance since 1986.

Sunderland are on the lookout for a new manager having parted company with Simon Grayson last month, and O’Neill is a firm candidate to take up the vacant role.

Scottish giants Rangers are also said to be interested, as are the Scottish national side, with a clause in O’Neill’s contract allowing him to depart his current role for another national team without compensation being due.

The Verdict

O’Neill is one of the best candidates for the Black Cats job, but whether Sunderland can stump up the fee to bring him to the club remains to be seen.

The question as to whether O’Neill would even be interested in the job remains to be seen, with the Wearsiders looking destined for the drop again this season.

With no funds available to strengthen the squad, it would take a brave soul to take on the managerial role as it stands, and perhaps O’Neill will bide his time until a more stable position becomes available.

Sunderland fans, do you think O'Neill is the man to keep you up this season? Have your say below...