Chris Coleman emerges as Sunderland contender

Wales boss Chris Coleman has emerged as a leading contender to take over the managerial reins at Sunderland.

The 47-year-old’s contract with the Welsh FA is due to expire at the end of the month and he could be tempted into a return to club management after spending the last five years in charge of the Dragons.

Coleman is one of the most successful managers in Wales’ history after guiding them to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, although they did fail to reach the upcoming World Cup after finishing third in their qualifying group.

Indeed, Wales’ failure to make it to Russia means Coleman could now become available, and rebuilding a Sunderland side that currently sit bottom of the Championship standings could prove to be a tempting proposition.

Coleman is not the only name being linked with the vacancy at the Stadium of Light, although Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom has cooled talk that he could be heading to the north east, while Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill is reportedly not keen on the role.

Former Rangers boss Ally McCoist is also being linked with the position and he indicated earlier this week that he may be interested in managing the club he represented as a player between 1981 and 1983.

Robbie Stockdale will once again take temporary charge of the Black Cats when they play host to Millwall on Saturday.

Sunderland have not won a match at the Stadium of Light this calendar year, but they are priced at 2.25 to end that run against the Lions, who are available at 3.30, while the draw is on offer at 3.25.