Sunderland did make an approach for Wigan Athletic boss Paul Cook, although they haven't followed up on that just yet.

The Black Cats are on the lookout for a new manager after Jack Ross was sacked earlier this week and a host of names have been linked with the vacancy.

Cook's name has been in the frame and Sun reporter Alan Nixon confirmed on Twitter that the Sunderland hierarchy made a move for the 52-year-old - who has won the League One title with the Latics.

"Inquiry about availability came in the end. No further word. Compo would be an issue."

However, he also adds that compensation could be an issue for the north-east club and Wigan will be reluctant to lose their boss given the success he has had in the past.

Bringing in a manager with experience of the third tier seems to be a priority for Sunderland, who issued a statement on their official site last night confirming that they are still drawing up a shortlist of candidates.

The team are back in action with a game against Gareth Ainsworth's Wycombe side - with the Wanderers chief also interesting Sunderland.

The verdict

This will encourage Sunderland fans as they will want to see significant progress made on this front during the next week.

And, if they could bring in Cook then it would be a real shrewd appointment as he is proven at this level and you would back him to make an immediate impact.

So, it will be interesting to see how it plays out as they would surely like someone in before the game on Saturday.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.