Sunderland have not made any contact with Mick McCarthy yet, according to a reliable football journalist.

Mark Douglas, who works for local media outlet The Chronicle, has reported that McCarthy is the top choice for a consortium looking to buy Sunderland, although no contact has been made with their former manager.

Sunderland are searching for a new manager this summer after parting ways with Chris Coleman at the weekend.

Coleman had been in charge of the side since before Christmas but failed to keep Sunderland afloat in the league as they prepare for life in League One.

With Coleman sacked, the hunt for a new boss is underway.

But the Black Cats are also looking for new owners with Ellis Short trying to sell the club.

An Irish consortium are considering a bid to buy the club and they have lined up former Republic of Ireland manager McCarthy to return to The Stadium of Light.

The 59-year-old won promotion with Sunderland in his three year stint at the club between 2003 and 2006 but also left the club on the brink of relegation from the Premier League.

McCarthy is looking for employment, having left Ipswich Town recently after six years of service.

The Verdict

For Sunderland to snap up McCarthy in the third tier would be a coup as he would certainly bring stability back to the club. He is not the most spectacular of managers but he is respected in the industry and he always gets a job done. As Sunderland enter a new era, this is perhaps the best that they can attract at this stage.

Sunderland fans - Would you like to see McCarthy return? Let us know below...