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.
Neil, 41, has enjoyed an impressive six months at Sunderland, and has them fifth in the table, ahead of tomorrow's clash with Norwich City. Stoke are currently 21st.
However, Sunderland have issued a statement this afternoon reading: "Sunderland AFC can confirm that Alex Neil has entered into discussions with Stoke City regarding their current managerial vacancy.
"Following a formal approach by SCFC, the Club is contractually obliged to permit the head coach to start a dialogue with the Potters.
"The club is committed to retaining Alex’s services as head coach and will be making no further comment at this moment in time."
Neil took former Accies boss Martin Canning to Sunderland as his assistant.
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