Alex Neil is favourite to land the Stoke City manager's job after the club were granted permission to speak to the Sunderland boss.
Stoke sacked Michael O'Neill on Thursday morning, and Neil's price with bookies has suddenly dropped to 1/4, amid rumours that he was heading for the club this afternoon.
However, Sunderland have issued a statement saying they still hope to keep hold of the former Hamilton Accies captain and boss, who earned promotion with them, Norwich City and the Black Cats.
