Are Sunderland fighting Magpies for same new head coach?

Ellis Short, the Black Cats owner, and Lee Congerton, sporting director, are still hopeful of trying to hijack Derby County’s attempts to lure Paul Clement following his own departure from his position as Real Madrid’s assistant to Carlo Ancelotti.

But, like so many of the coaching options available, Clement is also among those being considered up the road at Newcastle. Short and Mike Ashley, his counterpart at St James’ Park, will have to act swiftly and decisively if they are to land the man they want quickly. As things stand Clement is Sunderland’s preferred candidate to replace Advocaat.

Newcastle would still prefer to attract former Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren to Tyneside, even though he has already resisted two offers inside the last five months for him from Charnley albeit while he had been in charge at Derby.

But if both Tyne & Wear clubs fail to reach a quick agreement with both then that could lead to a really interesting period, with the same managerial candidates being thrown up as alternatives to McClaren and Clement.

McClaren, whose family home is still a short drive away in Teesside, is being considered by Sunderland so they will be keeping a close eye on the developments over at St James’.

But the ex-England boss is merely one of a number of leading names in the frame. Congerton is keen to explore all possibilities even though Congerton’s links to Clement through his previous roles have him ahead of the rest at this stage.

Here are the main contenders for the Sunderland job, and some could also be involved in Newcastle’s thinking as things stand:

PAUL CLEMENT

He has a similar pedigree to Middlesbrough’s Aitor Karanka in that his well-respected coaching has seen him rise from the youth ranks and up to Real Madrid’s No 2. He would bring relative inexperience in that he is young and never managed before, which is in complete contrasts to first choice, Dick Advocaat, who has managed at the top for more than 20 years.

Odds: 7/2

SAM ALLARDYCE

Whatever people think of his style of management, he gets results and only the uncertainty surrounding his position seemed to lead to West Ham’s fall out of Champions League contention this season. He is not famed for being keen on working as a head coach, which is the model Sunderland are looking to fill. He would, though, never be considered by Newcastle again.

Odds: 2/1

STEVE McCLAREN

His stock might instantly rise on Wearside if he opted to manage the Black Cats rather than choose Newcastle, who have tried twice to appoint him this year. He has managed in Germany and Holland as well, so is well aware of the continental approach which Congerton is trying to work to. McClaren is still regarded as one of the best training ground coaches around.

Odds: 10/1

DAVID MOYES

By all accounts he remains committed to a second year in Spain with Real Sociedad but always enjoyed his trips to the North-East, so that could persuade him although it would probably require compensation. Newcastle are also weighing up the Scot who, like Allardyce and McClaren, brings huge experience to slot straight in.

Odds: 6/1

MICHAEL LAUDRUP

The Dane is thought to be looking for a way back to the Premier League after a stint in the Middle East. He was successful in taking Swansea to the next level after the departure of Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool, but a clash over recruitment at Swansea ultimately led to his exit. He would be an exciting name for either club and sources in Denmark suggest he would be interested in both positions.

Odds: 14/1

AITOR KARANKA

A total outsider for both, given he has outlined a focus to stay at Middlesbrough and lead the club to promotion from the Premier League next season. He has been mentioned at both St James’ and the Stadium of Light, but Steve Gibson would never welcome any move for the Spaniard to a North-East rival.

Odds: 33/1