Neil Lennon among Sunderland managerial frontrunners as former Celtic boss continues search for next role

Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon is in the mix for the Sunderland job, according to local reports.

The Black Cats decided to axe Lee Johnson on Sunday afternoon after a demoralising 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Bolton.

And a report from the Northern Echo claims ex-Parkhead boss Lennon is in the frame, alongside former Hull coach Grant McCann and Paul Cook, who was on the club's shortlist to replace Jack Ross when he was sacked.

Lennon has been out of work since leaving Celtic in late February last year with the dream of 10 In A Row up in smoke.

And the local title claims he would be interested in taking up the post with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

He's recently been on record to insist he's hungry as ever for a new opportunity.

"It’s frustrating," Lennon admitted in November.

"Some people probably assume that I’m not looking for a return to management because of the way it ended at Celtic. But nothing could be further from the truth.

"I’m still relatively young, as hungry as ever and believe I would bring something to any club. And I’d like to think my track record compares favourably to most."