According to the Sunderland Echo, Sunderland are wanting to interview a number of candidates about the managerial vacancy at the Stadium of Light, with more than four names of the club’s radar.

David Moyes resigned as Sunderland’s manager following relegation from the Premier League, and the Black Cats are now on the lookout for a replacement ahead of their return to the Sky Bet Championship, where they have not competed since 2007.

Martin Bain, Sunderland’s chief executive, is carrying out the search for Moyes’ replacement, and has consulted with Walter Smith over who should be considered this summer.

Aberdeen’s Derek McInnes has been the long-term favourite for the job, after an impressive 2016/17 campaign in Scotland, where his side finished ahead of Rangers and runners-up to runaway Champions, Celtic.

Simon Grayson, Preston North End’s manager, is also under consideration having impressed during his time at Deepdale, helping North End to promotion from League One, before establishing the club as a top-half Championship team.

Garry Monk and Nigel Pearson are being considered for the Sunderland job, but Middlesbrough are also interested in the duo to replace Aitor Karanka at the Riverside Stadium.

Bain is hopeful that Sunderland will have appointed their new manager before the players return for pre-season training towards the end of June.

Sunderland fans… Who do you want to see your club bring in as Moyes’ replacement? Let us know your thoughts!