"Advanced discussions": Craig Hope issues big SAFC manager claim that'll delight fans - opinion

A key Sunderland claim has emerged regarding their attempts to bring Roy Keane back to the Stadium of Light…

Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope has revealed where the club is at with their talks with the retired Manchester United midfielder.

He Tweeted: “Sunderland remain in advanced discussions with Roy Keane but will continue dialogue with other candidates in case deal for former boss collapses. Some second interviews are planned for this week, with Grant McCann & Alex Neil also in frame.”

Sunderland fans will surely be delighted with this news as it suggests that the club are finally closing in on a replacement for Lee Johnson.

The Black Cats will have played two games by the end of tonight (Tuesday) without a permanent manager in place, having lost their first match after sacking the ex-Bristol City boss. They were beaten 2-1 by bottom-of-the-league Doncaster at the weekend with their interim coaches in place, showing that the board’s lack of progress is affecting their promotion battle.

Kristjaan Speakman has not been proactive enough in attempting to bring a new manager in, on the evidence available, as it has been over a week since Johnson’s departure and they are still in talks with candidates. This is why fans will unquestionably be frustrated with the current situation and how it has been handled amidst a race to finish in the automatic promotion places.

Supporters will now, therefore, be delighted that their efforts to appoint a new head coach are bearing fruit, with Keane closing in on the role. They will be buzzing to finally be able to welcome their latest manager and he will, hopefully, be in the dugout at the weekend as they are in ‘advanced’ talks.

Whilst the Stadium of Light faithful will be disappointed