Sunderland to press Allardyce for answer on manager's job by weekend

Despite a host of stories suggesting some high-profile figures have ruled themselves out of the running to succeed Dick Advocaat, senior figures at the Stadium of Light are happy with the way their search for a new manager is progressing.

All of their leading targets remain in the frame, with Allardyce the preferred candidate thanks to his proven track record for improving sides in the bottom half of the table.

The former Bolton, Newcastle, Blackburn and West Ham boss has not been formally offered the job, but a series of discussions mean he is aware of the Black Cats’ interest. In turn, he has indicated a willingness to give the position serious consideration, although it is understood he will demand some guarantees about future investment before agreeing to move to Wearside.

Sunderland owner Ellis Short is prepared to continue backing the club in order to help engineer another successful battle against relegation, and it is anticipated more formal talks could take place within the next 48 hours.

With sporting director Lee Congerton leading the recruitment process despite having handed in his own notice at the end of last week, the Black Cats hierarchy are reluctant to put too much pressure on Allardyce as he ponders his future.

However, with a trip to West Brom preceding the Wear-Tyne derby with Newcastle, Short is adamant he does not want to end the international break with Paul Bracewell and Robbie Stockdale effectively in caretaker charge of the club.

If Allardyce does not provide a positive indication of his interest in the post before the weekend, Sunderland will move on and look elsewhere.

That would bring Burnley boss Sean Dyche and former Leicester manager Nigel Pearson into the equation, with both figures having their supporters within the recruitment team.

Dyche publicly distanced himself from Sunderland’s managerial vacancy at the start of the week, but his words have been interpreted as the logical response of someone who is currently under contract at another club.

Pearson divides opinion thanks to his abrasive personality, but there is respect within the Sunderland hierarchy for the successful way in which he guided Leicester to safety in the final two months of last season.

Pearson was the major mover in the betting markets yesterday, with most firms reporting considerable support for the former Newcastle assistant, who is now a clear second favourite behind Allardyce.

Former United States boss Bob Bradley became the first person to publicly confirm his interest yesterday, but as things stand, he is not one of Sunderland’s leading contenders.

He is currently in charge of Stabaek, who are second in the Norwegian top-flight, and a clause in his contract means he would be free to talk to the Black Cats if they chose to approach him.

“With a club like Sunderland, there might be a possibility,” said Bradley. “But there are a lot of managers who want a job like that.

“I’m realistic, and realise that the list of candidates is long. At the same time, I’m confident – I believe in myself as a coach. I know that I can enter any scenario, and give everything that I’ve got.”

Bradley received support from an unexpected quarter yesterday, with former Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn claiming the American could be just what is required to break the ongoing cycle of failure.

The 57-year-old led the United States as they finished above England to qualify for the knock-out stages of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and has also led Egypt as well as managing in the MLS.

“If it’s Bradley from America, who hasn’t been in the Premier League before, he might do things totally differently that would get Sunderland going,” said Quinn.

“Big Sam might be radical in as much that he’ll totally change the way things are going there. I think the same old, same old isn’t going to work, and I think you need a manager to really change and revolutionise everything there.”