Pablo Di Canio could reportedly be joined by former Lazio teammate Pablo Negro at Sunderland if the Black Cats appoint a director of football.
Di Canio, 44, became Sunderland's head coach earlier this week and that led to speculation that a director of football could be appointed, according to The Chronicle.
Negro, 40, is said to have been targeted by Di Canio when he was at Swindon, but the move never materialised.
Di Canio will take charge of his first game when Sunderland visit Chelsea on Sunday.