MOYES SNUB

Former United boss says no to Sunderland

DAVID MOYES has turned down the chance to replace Dick Advocaat as the next manager of Sunderland. The 52-year-old Real Sociedad boss was targeted by the Stadium of Light club as they look to find a replacement for Advocaat, who announced he was leaving his role as head coach on Wednesday.

Owner Ellis Short was prepared to offer Moyes a lucrative wage package and a healthy transfer kitty that would ensure Sunderland could bring in up to six quality signings, as recommended by Advocaat.

Talks took place yesterday but Moyes decided the challenge was not for him and he has opted to stay in Spain. The former Manchester United and Everton boss has also been sounded out about the vacant post at West Ham but it is understood it would take a bigger offer to tempt him away from Sociedad where he has settled quickly.

Sunderland also sounded out Real Madrid coach Paul Clement but he believes taking the vacant post at Derby County is a better career move as he steps up for the first time as a manager.

Clement is poised to agree a three-year contract worth around £2.7million a year today at Derby, where he will succeed Steve McClaren.

The Championship club are prepared to back Clement in the transfer market in a bid to reach the Premier League after their promotion push fell away in the second half of last season.

McClaren was sacked after revealing he had discussed the Newcastle manager’s job prior to their final league game against Reading.

In another twist, the former England manager is also being considered by Sunderland as they reassess what targets to pursue.

Sam Allardyce, who left West Ham at the weekend, is prepared to take a break before returning to football.

Former Chelsea and Schalke manager Roberto Di Matteo and Watford boss Slavisa Jokanovic are interested in the Stadium of Light job but are not top of Sunderland’s list at this stage.