McInnes snubs Sunderland

SUNDERLAND have been dealt a major blow in their search for a new manager after Aberdeen’s Derek McInnes rejected an offer which would have trebled his salary. Chief executive Martin Bain phoned McInnes yesterday after being given permission to talk to him but Aberdeen released a statement last night confirming their manager is staying at Pittodrie.

Sportsmail understands the decision by McInnes, 45, was as much to do with the promises made by the Dons as any reservations about moving to the Stadium of Light. McInnes also knows that, after a difficult spell in charge of Bristol City, he must make the right choice if he is to return to England. It is understood he did not feel Sunderland was the best move given their precarious finances and the uncertainty over ownership, with Ellis Short looking to sell.