Sources: Major Sunderland manager update as McCann and Keane talks lined up today
Grant McCann and Roy Keane are the two leading contenders to become the new Sunderland manager, Football Insider understands.
Former Mackems boss Keane is being interviewed for the post by owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfuss amid growing support inside the club for what would be a sensational return.
A Sunderland source has told Football Insider that McCann is also a strong candidate to take over following his recent exit from Hull City.
Early discussions have taken place with Keane and McCann and more formal talks will take place on Thursday.
Keane managed 100 Sunderland games between August 2006 and December 2008.
He managed the club back to the Premier League and won the Championship during his first season in charge.
This came after he took over with Sunderland in the relegation zone.
McCann was sacked by Hull in January after the club changed hands.
The Tigers were 19th in the Championship but rose to 18th after winning their first game under new boss Shota Arveladze.
McCann previously manager Peterborough and Doncaster and lead the former to League One promotion via the play-offs during the 2010-11 season.
Lee Johnson was relieved of his duties on 30 January, less than 24 hours after his side were hammered 6-0 by Bolton Wanderers.
The result left the Black Cats third in League One, two points off second-placed Wigan.
However, the Latics have three games in hand on Sunderland while league leaders Rotherham are five clear of third and also have a game in hand.
The Black Cats are looking for a return to the Championship at the fourth time of asking.
In other news, Sunderland player not seen in 2022 tipped for ‘major role’ after ‘big’ news confirmed.