Sunderland closing in on new manager after 'positive talks' - The Guardian

According to The Guardian, Sunderland have held 'positive talks' with Will Still as they push to appoint the highly-rated Reims manager ahead of their FA Cup clash with Newcastle next month.

Tony Mowbray was sacked by Sunderland last week, despite the club being in touching distance of the playoff positions at the time, seeing a host of names linked with the vacant post.

Now, reports are suggesting that Still, who was born in Belgium to English parents, has been identified as their leading target by Black Cats chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and is now the favourite to become their new manager.

It's believed the 31-year-old is seriously considering the job at the Stadium of Light and 'open' to a spell in the Championship following discussions with Louis-Dreyfus.

His Reims side went on a 17-game unbeaten run last season and currently sit 8th in Ligue 1, just four points behind the European places.