Sunderland are still looking for a manager after David Moyes resigned at the end of the 2016/17 season.
The Black Cats have already been at this stage before but with Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes, only for the former Bristol City manager to turn his back on the recently relegated Premier League outfit in order to remain in Scotland.
Preston manager Simon Grayson celebrates at full time
A compensation package is already agreed in Grayson’s contract, and Preston allowed the former Leeds United and Blackpool boss to speak to the Black Cats after he expressed interest to talk to them about moving to the Stadium of Light.
Last season, Preston performed admirably and ultimately finished 11th on 62 points, but at one point it seemed possible that the club could find themselves gatecrashing the play-offs, though ultimately the Lilywhites fell away and ended up 18 points behind sixth placed Fulham.
A huge rebuilding job is needed at Sunderland following their relegation, and the Black Cats’ hierarchy clearly believe that Grayson is the man to do that, and with four promotions to his name, that experience could be invaluable.
As of yet, the compensation fee is unknown, but it certainly seems as if Sunderland will finally have a new manager in place in time for pre-season, while Preston could be left drawing up a list of managerial targets of their own.
Preston North End Manager Simon Grayson and Newcastle United Manager Rafael Benitez
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