Former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini could replace Sam Allardyce as Sunderland manager, according to Spanish news channel 24 horas.
Big Sam’s future is up in the air amongst constant speculation about the England job and it seems increasingly likely that he will succeed in being offered the job he has dreamed of.
Whilst his departure will leave a big hole on Wearside, it might not all be bad news.
Ex Everton and Manchester United manager David Moyes is free to take the reigns of the Black Cats and would be welcomed by the vast majority of Sunderland supporters – he has been in the running for the job as replacements for Gus Poyet and Dick Advocaat in the past.
He turned down the role largely because of the director of football model that was in place at the time. This has since been abandoned after Lee Congerton resigned.
Pellegrini, however, is another name being touted by many.
The Chilean, who left Manchester City in June, is the only non-European manager to win the Premier League. He also won the League Cup twice whilst in Manchester – defeating Sunderland in the 2014 final.
It is thought that the 62-year-old wants to remain in England and a long term project may well be exactly what he needs after missing out on the Everton job.
Should he be appointed, it would lead to there being two hugely successful managers in the North East – Rafa Benitez at Newcastle and Manuel Pellegrini at Sunderland.
