Sunderland have reportedly added David Moyes to their shortlist of potential managerial replacements for the departed Dick Advocaat.
Following a winless start to the new season, 68-year-old Advocaat announced on Sunday that the time was right for him to step aside from the position.
A number of names have been linked with the vacancy, including Sam Allardyce, Nigel Pearson and current Burnley boss Sean Dyche.
According to BBC Sport, former Everton and Manchester United manager Moyes is also under consideration by the board at the Stadium of Light.
The Scot, 52, has been in charge of Real Sociedad since November 2014, but the Basques have found consistent winning form difficult to come by under his stewardship and they currently sit in La Liga's relegation zone.
In the summer, Moyes was linked with the manager's job at Sunderland's local rivals Newcastle United prior to the appointment of Steve McClaren.
It is believed that the Black Cats are hopeful that they will have a new head coach in position for their next Premier League game away at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, October 17.