Sunderland are considering Gary Bowyer to take over as manager for their League One campaign, according to a report by The Mirror.

The Black Cats have drawn up a shortlist of names for the vacant managerial role with ex-boss Mick McCarthy and former striker Kevin Phillips thought to be two of the frontrunners.

Now Bowyer has emerged as their latest managerial target after impressing at Blackpool.

Sunderland are in the hunt for a new manager after sacking Chris Coleman at the weekend.

The 46-year-old won promotion with the Tangerines last year via the League Two play-offs and he has guided his side to a respectable mid-table finish in the third tier.

Formerly of Blackburn Rovers, Bowyer lasted one-and-a-half years in the job at Ewood Park and he will be tasked with winning promotion for Sunderland if they appoint him.

Sunderland's future is up in the air at the moment with owner Ellis Short in the middle of completing the sale of the club.

A consortium led by Stewart Donald - chairman of Eastleigh FC - is thought to be the favourite to complete a takeover of Sunderland.

After suffering relegation this year, Sunderland fans will be hoping that new owners and a new manager will bring an upturn in fortune for the club and halt their slide down the Football League.

The Verdict

Bowyer has done an impressive job under difficult circumstances at Blackpool. Given the club's current state of affairs with the fans feeling ostracised and disillusioned by the ownership, Bowyer has directed his focus onto the pitch and turned things around for the Seasiders after they suffered back-to-back relegations. This has caught the eye of Sunderland who, after their own consecutive demotions, want him to win promotion for them and lead the revival.

Sunderland fans - Would Bowyer be a good appointment? Let us know below...