Sunderland are edging closer to appointing Phil Parkinson as their new manager ahead of their game against Wycombe Wanderers this weekend. 

Chronicle Live have reported that Parkinson has made a positive impression on Sunderland's recruitment team, which comes after the League One team offered a long-term opportunity to the former Bolton boss.

Parkinson left his role in charge of Bolton Wanderers in August, which didn't come as a surprise, with the Trotters struggling both on and off the pitch at the time of his resignation.

It seems as though the former Bolton man is keen to get back into work at the earliest of opportunities, as he looks to return to the Championship.

Sunderland have been searching for a new manager since they parted company with Jack Ross last week, which came after an inconsistent run of results so far this season.

The Black Cats were beaten 2-0 by Lincoln City before the international break, which led to the club making the bold decision to relieve him of his duties.

Sunderland currently sit ninth in the League One table and will be hoping that they can have a new manager in place as soon as possible, so that they can get their promotion bid back on track.

The Verdict: 

This would be a good appointment by the Black Cats.

Parkinson coped well under difficult circumstances with Bolton last season, and I was surprised to see him leave the club earlier this year.

He deserves a shot at a bigger challenge, and I firmly believe that he could be the perfect manager to guide Sunderland back into the Championship this season.