Sunderland may potentially miss out on one of their manager objectives.
Sunderland is in their fourth month without a manager after firing Michael Beale in February.
The Black Cats have been prominently linked with a variety of names, and while it was believed that they would wait until the season ended, they are still without a successor nearly three weeks later.
However, Will Still, who departed Reims at the end of the 2023/24 season, appears to be the most likely candidate to take over at the Stadium of Light.
However, new sources suggest that the 31-year-old is also in negotiations with Norwich City, who were defeated in the play-off semi-finals by Leeds United.
Meanwhile, Bo Svensson is scheduled to take over as coach of Union Berlin, ruling him out of contention for the Sunderland job.
Danny Rohl is in the ‘final stages’ of contract renewal.
Things only get worse for the Wearside outfit, as journalist Rob Staton reports that another target is close to signing a new contract with his current club.
Staton stated on X: “According to sources, Danny Röhl and Sheffield Wednesday are close to an agreement. Negotiations are in the final stages.”
Rohl has been a constant presence in Sunderland’s quest for a new manager, and when it appeared that the Owls would be relegated, he seemed the most likely choice.
However, it is said that the German is eager to stay at Hillsborough provided the club can make certain assurances, and he is close to signing a new contract.
While it is unknown whether Rene Maric is still in the picture, Svensson and Rohl’s situations very certainly make Still the first choice – if he wasn’t previously.
Sunderland have been after the former Reims boss since December, and it would be quite odd if he wasn’t the man they were looking for.
Should Sunderland be concerned about recent sackings?
The current wave of sackings, however, may cause anxiety for Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, with Burnley, Hull, and Norwich all potentially looking for a new coach.
All three might provide Still more tempting transfer funds than Sunderland, and they will all be vying for promotion next season as well.
However, if Vincent Kompany leaves Turf Moor, Craig Bellamy is expected to step in as his replacement.
Meanwhile, Tim Walter is still likely to replace Liam Rosenior at Hull.
So Sunderland may still be in luck in their chase of Still, but Rosenior and Paul Heckingbottom might be on the board’s radar just in case.
