Former Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has been installed as the bookmakers' favourite to replace Paolo Di Canio in the managerial hotseat at Sunderland.
The ex-Swindon Town boss was sacked by the North-East outfit just five games into the Premier League season after picking up only one point from the fixtures.
Di Matteo, who has been out of work since November last year when he was dismissed by the Blues, has been tipped as the 8/13 favourite by bookies William Hill to succeed Di Canio.
Former Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has also been touted as a possible contender, as well as Gus Poyet, who left Brighton & Hove Albion in June following a dispute with the board.