Sunderland could reportedly appoint Gus Poyet as their new manager within the next 24 hours.
Kevin Ball is currently acting as caretaker boss for the Black Cats following the sacking of Paolo Di Canio last month.
Poyet, who has been out of work since being dismissed as Brighton & Hove Albion manager over the summer, is now close to signing a deal at the Stadium of Light, according to Sky Sports News.
Sunderland are at the bottom of the Premier League table after taking one point from their opening seven matches.