Former Newcastle United manager, Alan Pardew, could lead Sunderland back into the Sky Bet Championship next season, according to the Daily Star.

There is expected to be a number of changes at the Stadium of Light this summer, including a change of ownership, which could eventually lead to Pardew taking over as Sunderland’s manager.

A German consortium are in talks with Ellis Short about a possible takeover this summer, and they could look to appoint Pardew as the club’s manager, should they seize control of the club.

Pardew would be a controversial appointment, given his connections with Sunderland’s North-East rivals, Newcastle, who he managed between 2010 and 2015.

However, the 55-year old does have promotion on his CV, having helped West Ham United to the Premier League during the 2004/05 season.

His most recent spell in management came at Crystal Palace, where he reached the 2016 FA Cup final, before leaving Selhurst Park later on that year.

Pardew could now be set for a route back into management, and could be leading Sunderland on their return to the Championship during the 2017/18 campaign, should the German consortium strike a deal with Short.

Whoever succeeds David Moyes, who left the club last month, will face the difficult task of reenergising Sunderland following a disastrous 2016/17 campaign.

Sunderland fans… Would Pardew be a good appointment? Would you welcome him to the Stadium of Light despite his links with Newcastle? Let us know your thoughts!