According to the Shields Gazette, Sunderland are close to making a managerial appointment, and could make an announcement within 72 hours on who will succeed David Moyes at the Stadium of Light.

Moyes walked away from Sunderland last month, following relegation from the Premier League, opting not to help the Black Cats on their return to the second-tier for the first time since 2007.

Sunderland are yet to announce the Scot’s successor, but Aberdeen’s Derek McInnes remains favourite with the bookmakers to replace Moyes in the dugout.

Martin Bain, Sunderland’s chief executive, has been tasked with identifying Moyes’ successor, and is set to approach Aberdeen over McInnes’ availability, although the Black Cats could have to pay a reported £1m in compensation.

McInnes led the Dons to second in the Scottish Premiership last season, and despite finishing way behind Celtic, the club managed to finish nine-points ahead of third-placed Rangers.

The 45-year old is not the only name in the frame for the Sunderland vacancy, with Kevin Phillips’ odds of taking over at the Stadium of Light falling dramatically in recent weeks.

Simon Grayson and Paul Lambert have also been mentioned as potential appointments, whilst one manager who will not be making the move to Sunderland is former Leeds United manager, Garry Monk, who has taken over at Middlesbrough.

Sunderland fans… Are you expecting McInnes to be appointed as your club’s next manager? Let us know your thoughts!