Coleman is heavily backed for Black Cats

SUNDERLAND are thought to be keen on trying to persuade Chris Coleman to walk away from Wales – with odds slashed to 1-10 ON about him becoming new Black Cats boss.

Coleman is currently awaiting formal contract negotiations with FAW powerbrokers after informal talks over extending his spell as Wales manager began last month.

Sunderland, having also targeted Northern Ireland’s Michael O’Neil, are believed to be eager to step in and offer Coleman a route back into club football if the 47-year-old fails to agree new terms.

Coleman has made it clear he would like to remain in charge of Wales’ golden generation but wants assurances from the FA of Wales over plans he feels are needed to improve the national set-up.

With his future uncertain following Tuesday’s friendly draw with Panama, Coleman appears to have remained a target for club sides.

Sunderland sacked Simon Grayson last month after 18 games in charge, failing to turn around the Wearsiders’ fortunes following their relegation from the Premier League.

They currently sit bottom of the Championship and are keen to make an appointment – with bookmakers receiving a flood of bets yesterday backing Coleman to be the man.

Oddschecker say that 70% of money placed yesterday in the Sunderland manager market has gone on Coleman.

It has seen Coleman placed as little as 1-10 to be the next manager with the north-east outfit, who seem likely to miss out on O’Neill, who is being courted by the Scottish FA.