It has recently been reported by TEAMtalk that Sunderland are targeting Wigan Athletic boss Paul Cook as they look to appoint Jack Ross' replacement at the earliest of opportunities. 

Ross was dismissed after an inconsistent start to this year's league campaign, which sees the Black Cats eight points adrift of league-leaders Ipswich Town in the early stages of the season.

In our latest FLW Six Pointer, we look into Sunderland's rumoured interest in Cook.

Firstly, would Cook be a good appointment for Sunderland? 

"I think he would be an excellent appointment for the Black Cats this season.

"Cook has already shown that he knows how to get a team out of League One, having achieved promotion with Wigan earlier in his managerial career.

"Sunderland need to go with someone that knows the third tier well, and Cook definitely matches that criteria.

"Whether they can prize him away from Wigan is a completely different story though."

Will Wigan be keen to keep hold of him?

"They'll be doing everything they can to keep Cook at the club.

"He's done very well for the Latics, especially given that they don't have a considerable amount of funds available to them compared to some of the teams in the Championship.

"Cook has managed to find some stability for Wigan, which was needed after they became somewhat of a 'yo-yo club' after being relegated and promoted between the Championship and League One in recent seasons."

How impressive has Cook been for the Latics in recent seasons? 

"He's really impressed me.

"I'll admit that I had my doubts as to whether he could be the manager to get Wigan out of League One when he was appointed back in May 2017.

"But he's hardly done anything wrong in his time with the Latics, and has brought some much-needed stability to the Wigan team, as they seem to have settled into life back in the Championship after promotion from the third tier in the 2017/18 season."

Where would they be without him? 

"They'd be in a similar position to Sunderland to be honest!

"Wigan have established themselves in the Championship in recent seasons which will be pleasing to see for the club's supporters.

"Sunderland are struggling to stay in touch with the promotion-chasing sides in League One this term, and they could certainly benefit from having a manager of his experience at League One level.

"Wigan would surely be in League One with Sunderland if they didn't have Cook in charge of the club."

Should the Latics be fearing relegation if Cook was to depart? 

"They should certainly be fearing for their future in the Championship if he was to depart.

"Cook has been key to Wigan's success in recent years, and without him, the Latics could well find themselves in League One in the near future.

"He knows how to get the best out of the current crop of players, and he'll be keen to build on the project that he has started with the Championship side."

Can you see a move materialising? 

"I find it hard to believe that he'll be willing to drop back into League One, especially after becoming somewhat of a fans favourite with Wigan.

"For any manager, you're going to want to progress up the ladder, and a move back into the third tier won't be appealing surely?

"Even though Sunderland can be classed as a 'sleeping giant' at the moment, Cook needs to be realistic and realise that Wigan are in a better position than the Black Cats."