Fresh from relegation to League One, Sunderland could be rocked by yet another blow, with reports suggesting that manager Chris Coleman is about to be offered an escape route.

The Daily Mirror are reporting that he could be in the frame for an immediate return to the Championship as manager of Ipswich Town, as their search for a new boss continues.

They're reportedly struggling to attract the candidates they're after, with initial favourite Danny Cowley set to sign a new deal at Lincoln City.

They were also thought to be interested in talking to former defender Tony Mowbray, but he has just secured a return to the second tier on merit with Blackburn Rovers.

Luton Town's Nathan Jones and former Leicester boss Nigel Pearson have also been discounted from the running as Jones would cost too much to release from the Hatters and Pearson has turned down their advances.

That leaves them focusing on former Wales manager Coleman as a replacement for the departed Mick McCarthy.

The Verdict

How embarrassing is this for Ipswich? Their fans call for McCarthy to go, but now they can't tempt two Fourth Division managers, nor one from the Belgian second tier, to take the hot seat.

It is an indication of the sterling job McCarthy has done there on a limited budget, something that hasn't been entirely recognised by sections of their support.

It is going to be a tough season for the Tractor Boys next time around and any manager going there has to be prepared for a huge fight.