According to the Sunderland Echo, Garry Monk is giving serious consideration to the vacant managerial role at Sunderland, but will bide his time before taking his next step into management.

Monk surprised many last month by handing in his resignation as Leeds United’s head-coach, and is now in-demand this summer, with north-east rivals, Sunderland and Middlesbrough keen to appoint the 38-year old.

Sunderland are considering a number of options to replace David Moyes, who left the Stadium of Light last month, and have identified Monk as a potential successor ahead of the club’s return to the Sky Bet Championship.

It is understood that Monk will take his time before deciding his next move, but is open to the possibility of taking over at Sunderland.

Monk is not the only option being considered by Sunderland’s chief executive, Martin Bain, with Aberdeen’s Derek McInnes still the favourite to replace Moyes with SkyBet.

However, the Telegraph understands that McInnes has reservations about a move to Sunderland, due to the financial restrictions at the Stadium of Light following relegation.

Sunderland believe a manager like Monk, who has previously worked on a budget with Leeds, would be better suited to the role, with Simon Grayson and Nigel Clough also under consideration.

 Sunderland fans… Who do you want to see your club appoint as manager this summer? Let us know your thoughts!