Incoming Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has reportedly been promised a January transfer warchest after being handed the task of keeping the Black Cats in the Premier League.

Poyet has reportedly agreed a three-year contract to become Sunderland's new head coach, with confirmation of that deal to be confirmed in the next 24 hours.

Sunderland chairman Ellis Short has described maintaining Premier League status as an "absolute necessity" for the Mackems, with Poyet told in no uncertain terms that is his sole target, according to The Telegraph.

Short invested more than £30m in Sunderland's squad during the close season, but the Black Cats are without a league win since April.

Previous coach Paolo Di Canio paid the price for that poor form, with interim coach Kevin Ball unable to match improved performances with Premier League points during a pair of games in temporary charge.

Poyet's will have to wait until next weekend for his first game in charge, away at Swansea City on October 19.