DEREK McINNES, the Aberdeen manager, has emerged as a leading target for Sunderland to become their new manager this summer.
Herald Sport understands that the 45-year-old is one of four names on a list of potential replacements for David Moyes who left the relegated club this week.
It is also believed that Martin Bain, Sunderland’s chief executive, a position he held at Rangers for many years, has consulted Walter Smith about the identity of the Wearside outfit’s next candidate for what in recent years has been a seemingly never-ending quest for the individual to bring them some stability.
Read more: Aberdeen have been under the radar but believe they are ready to shock Celtic
Smith is a huge admirer of McInnes and was vocal in his backing of his former player to take over at Rangers before Pedro Caixinha was appointed.
Whether the Aberdeen manager, who will lead out is team at Hampden Park on Saturday against Celtic in the Scottish Cup final, would be prepared to move south for this particular club could well be the only deciding factor.
Sunderland finished bottom of the Premier League after a wretched season, have limited funds in which to rebuild a weak squad and their owner, American billionaire Ellis Short, is trying to sell the club.
Sources close to the Stadium of Light believe McInnes still could be tempted by not only a much increased salary for himself but also by the fact so many of the failed players who have been around for years will leave this summer, and whoever the new man is would be in a position to start all over again at what is one of English football’s biggest and also historically under-achieving club.
Read more: Aberdeen have been under the radar but believe they are ready to shock Celtic
McInnes has done a superb job at Pittodrie in his four years there. Saturday is his third cup final with a side which has established as the best in Scotland after Celtic.
He is sure to be wanted by a number of clubs down south, although he has never given any hint that he was in any rush to leave the North East.
However, for all their many current faults, Sunderland do have potential. Their fan-base remains huge and the stadium and training ground are among the best in the country.
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