Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is being considered by Sunderland as a candidate for the vacancy created by fellow Scotsman David Moyes' exit.
Moyes resigned after one season in charge at the Stadium of Light, his side finishing bottom to exit the Premier League after a 10-year stay.
McInnes' Dons are in Saturday's Scottish Cup final against Celtic.
The 45-year-old's side also finished runners-up to Celtic in the league and lost to them in the League Cup final.
McInnes, who was appointed by the Scottish Premiership club in 2013, has had a previous stint as manager in England's second tier.