The 48-year-old is said to be Sunderland’s top target for the role.
Michael O’Neill has turned down an offer to manage Sunderland, according to the Sun.
The Northern Ireland boss is said to have been warned by a number of close friends and current bosses about the difficulties that come with managing Sunderland, who sit bottom of the Championship having fell from the Premier League in May.
However, it is claimed that Sunderland could still make a second attempt to land O’Neill, who is their top target to succeed Simon Grayson after his sacking more than two weeks ago.
The 48-year-old made his name in club management at Shamrock Rovers and went on to impress in the international stage, leading his country to the last 16 of last summer’s European Championship – their first tournament appearance in 34 years.
Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom is the other name said to feature on Sunderland’s shortlist, although the Sunderland Echo reports the former Mackems left-back has concerns about the club’s January transfer plans and budget.
According to the Sun, O’Neill is interested in holding talks over the vacant Scotland post.
To whom should Sunderland turn after being snubbed by O’Neill?
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