Derby County had appeared to be on the verge of announcing Paul Clement’s appointment, but Sunderland are reportedly preparing to swoop.
According to the Derby Telegraph, Sunderland could be prepared to block Derby County’s move for Real Madrid assistant boss Paul Clement.
Clement has been lined up by Derby after they sacked Steve McClaren, and it was thought that he would take charge at the iPro Stadium for next season.
However, at the last minute, there has been an added complication and Sunderland could be about to swoop for the highly-rated coach.
The Black Cats had wanted Dick Advocaat to fill their managerial post on a permanent basis, after seeing him guide them to Premier League safety, but the experienced Dutch boss decided against signing a deal at the Stadium of Light.
Advocaat decided that he didn’t want to take on another long-term job and, as a result, Sunderland have had to draw up a list of possible successors quickly.
It is believed that Clement is near the top of their wishlist, and the lure of top-flight football may tempt him against accepting Derby’s offer.
Clement is yet to take his first managerial job, but he is considered to be among the most talented English coaches around after gaining experience alongside the likes of Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea, Paris St Germain and Real Madrid.
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