Giggs says he has had no contact with Sunderland as odds are slashed
Ryan Giggs has had no contact with Sunderland over their managerial vacancy, despite bookmakers slashing the odds on his appointment, and Aberdeen boss Derek Mcinnes is understood to remain very much in the running.
Giggs, the 43-year-old former Manchester United winger, was backed in from 25-1 to 1-5 with some betting companies to replace the departed David Moyes at the Stadium of Light.
However, sources close to Giggs said that while the Welshman is ready to talk to clubs about opportunities, he has “categorically received no approach” from Sunderland.
Sources on Wearside too played down speculation that they were about to make an appointment.
William Hill reported that Giggs drifted from 1-5 to 4-7 with Mcinnes now just 5-4.
The club is looking for mo yes’ successor after the Scotsman resigned last week following a disastrous season which ended in relegation from the Premier League.
Sunderland chief executive Martin Bain, aided by former Rangers and Scotland manager Walter Smith, have spent the last week or so assessing their options and are understood to be close to beginning an interview procedure with prospective candidates.
However, given the club’s ongoing difficulties on and off the pitch, they are thought to be targeting experience for life in the Sky Bet Championship.
Mcinnes has emerged as a strong contender, while former Newcastle manager Alan Pardew continues to figure prominently in the betting, despite having ruled himself out of the race.
Sunderland have had eight different managers in the last eight-and-a-half years.