Sunderland chief executive Martin Bain has insisted he will take his time to get the right man to replace David Moyes as manager.
Bain has been charged with the task of identifying Moyes' successor following his resignation in the wake of the club's relegation from the Premier League and has enlisted former Scotland and Rangers boss Walter Smith as an advisor.
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes is understood to head a shortlist of candidates and while the Black Cats are keen to make an appointment as quickly as possible, they are determined to get the right man for the job.