Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has reportedly been lined up by West Ham United as a shock candidate to replace under-fire boss Sam Allardyce.

According to The Mirror, Allardyce will meet with the club's owners David Gold and David Sullivan, with the hierarchy aware of the unrest among fans and fears that season ticket sales for the Olympic Stadium will be hit, could see the 59-year-old moved on.

It is believed that Ellis Short will meet with Poyet this week as the Black Cats are worried that the Uruguayan may decide to move on this summer.

However, both parties are thought to have fallen out over a difference of opinion about the club's managerial structure.

Sunderland made sure of their Premier League survival with a 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in midweek.