Sunderland are set to hold talks with Phil Parkinson about their managerial vacancy, a report from The Sun has claimed.

The Black Cats are looking for a new manager following the sacking of Jack Ross on Tuesday, with the club currently ninth in League One, having not played this weekend due to international call-ups.

According to the latest reports on their search for Ross' replacement, Sunderland will hold talks with Parkinson about taking over at the Stadium of Light this weekend.

Parkinson - who has been out of work since leaving Bolton in August following their relegation back to the third-tier amidst a string of financial issues last season - does have a history of success at League One level, having previously won promotion to the Championship with Colchester and Bolton.

The 51-year-old is not the only one thought to be in contention to take over at Sunderland. Both Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth and Wigan boss Paul Cook are being assessed by the Black Cats, with the pair both said to be keen on the role.

Nigel Pearson, who won promotion from both League One and the Championship with Leicester during two spells with the club, has also emerged as a potential target for Sunderland.

The Verdict

This may not be the worst move for Sunderland.

Parkinson reputation may not be in a great place right now following Bolton's dismal past couple of seasons, but it should be remembered just how difficult a situation he was working in there.

Add to that the fact that he does have a good record at League One level previously, and it does seem as though considering Parkinson is not the worst thing for Sunderland to do.

Indeed, with these talks apparently no guarantee that he will get the job, it surely can't hurt for Sunderland to assess all their options here.

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