CATS TO GO GRAY
Preston boss in the frame
SUNDERLAND are lining up Simon Grayson or Chris Wilder to become their new boss.
The Black Cats were turned down by No.1 choice Derek McInnes, who stunned them by sticking with Aberdeen.
Sunderland admit takeover talks have delayed their recruitment process as owner Ellis Short looks to sell his controlling interest.
But finding a replacement for David Moyes, who quit almost a month ago, is a priority.
Grayson has a proven track record in the Championship with current side Preston, Leeds and Huddersfield.
But Sunderland have yet to make an approach to the Lancashire club, who’d want around £1m compensation.
Wilder has masterminded successive promotions, first with Northampton and last season with Sheffield United.
Sheffield-born Wilder guided the Blades to the League One title to end their six-year exile from the second tier.
Despite the lure of trying to guide his hometown club back into the Premier League, the 49-year-old is believed to be intrigued at the prospect of leading a Sunderland revival.
The Black Cats crashed out of the top flight with massive debts and little to spend on signings, despite banking £30m from selling England Under-21 keeper Jordan Pickford to Everton.
The club are in takeover talks with interested parties, which include a German-based consortium.