Sunderland may have received a significant boost from connected coach Will Still.
Sunderland fired Michael Beale earlier this year, paving the stage for a summer managerial change.
Mike Dodds is monitoring matches until then, and with one win in nine, it appears unlikely that Dodds would be given the role permanently.
Names continue to be linked to the Sunderland position.
Reims’ boss Still, it appears to be a popular appointment among spectators and behind the scenes at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland manager latest
In recent weeks, very little has been said regarding the Sunderland position.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is reportedly interested in Paul Heckingbottom, the former Sheffield United manager who was fired earlier this season.
He guided the squad to promotion from the Championship last season, and Heckingbottom is thought to be interested in the Sunderland position if approached.
Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl has also been linked ahead of the summer.
Will Still at Reims latest amid Sunderland interest
It was previously claimed that Still was Sunderland’s ‘ideal’ summer signing.
And Louis-Dreyfus and co. will undoubtedly be interested in this latest development out of France.
According to an emerging story from le10sport, Reims are prepared to seek a new coach this summer, with the club holding a ‘strong possibility’ of losing current manager Still.
It also follows Still’s previous comments, which indicated that he has had his head turned not only by outside interest, but also by Championship interest, specifically Sunderland.
Still was quoted as saying:
“I’ve spent my entire life traveling overseas and working in an atmosphere that wasn’t entirely my own. I just want to go home. The Premier League is, without a doubt, every manager’s dream. I’m not in a hurry, either. It’s not that if I move to England, I have to play in the Premier League or at a particular team. If something suits me, I’d be pleased to do it.”
Will Still’s Reims compensation fee
Anyone looking to recruit the 31-year-old this summer will have to delve deep into their pockets.
According to Le10sport, Still’s contract with Reims has a €5 million release clause.
According to the same article, Still already has’serious contacts’ in England, with West Ham among those keeping an eye on the Belgian-English coach.
Sunderland must take note of interesting Will Still comments
When past links to Sunderland emerged, Still appeared uncertain.
However, as the season comes to a close both here and in France, it appears like Still’s head is turning.
His thoughts on managing in England, but not necessarily the Premier League, lead to Sunderland, while the most recent report on Reims’ managerial search suggests that the club is expecting interest.
The issue is the compensation charge.
Sunderland undoubtedly have the funds to pay a £4.28 million compensation cost, and with player sales expected this summer, Louis-Dreyfus may well pay out someone’s clause.
However, Sunderland runs a tight ship.
Kristjaan Speakman has previously stated that Sunderland may or may not recruit a manager who is currently employed, therefore the club may want to check to see if their preferred candidate is currently available.
Heckingbottom could be the front-runner, but given the recent Sill update, he could swiftly return to the frame.
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