O’Neill wanted by Sunderland

Sunderland have put Martin O’Neill at the top of their wanted list and it is understood an approach has been made to the Northern Irishman who, along with Mark Hughes, is now a leading contender to replace former manager Steve Bruce, who departed on Wednesday night.

O’Neill has been out of football since leaving Aston Villa in August last year, while Hughes parted company with Fulham in June. Sources close to both men have indicated they are interested. However, it is believed that O’Neill – quoted at 4-11 by William Hill last night – is the preferred choice.

O’Neill would be a popular choice with the fans, who have repeatedly cited his boyhood fondness for the club as a major factor in attracting him.

The fact that he, like Hughes, is currently out of work means there would be no need for lengthy and potentially-costly negotiations over compensation, an obstacle which suggests that another popular supporters’ choice, Everton’s David Moyes, would be a non-starter. Overseas candidates could include Carlos Queiroz and Ronald Koeman, but a domestic appointment is more likely.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon, who played under O’Neill at Parkhead and Leicester, has backed his former boss to return to the game.

“If he gets the job it would be brilliant to see him back,” Lennon said. “He has a penchant for lifting clubs. Sunderland is a huge club and, as a boy, it was his favourite team so there might be an emotional tie there.

“I think he is just ready to get back into the game and I hope, if that is what he wants to do, we will see him back in the Premier League sooner rather than later.”

Bruce’s assistant, Eric Black, has been placed in temporary charge of team affairs.