Rio Ferdinand sends message to Roy Keane as he 'closes in' on Sunderland job

Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has admitted that he hopes to see former team-mate Roy Keane installed as Sunderland's new manager.

According to a report by the Mail, the former United midfielder, who has been out of management since leaving Ipswich Town back in 2011, is in 'advanced talks' to replace Lee Johnson and become their new boss.

Johnson was sacked following a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers just over a week ago, despite the Black Cats remaining firmly in the automatic promotion shake-up.

The Sunderland hierarchy has pinpointed Keane, who was previously in charge at the Stadium of Light between 2006 and 2008, as their top target and it appears as though he is now moving closer towards making a shock return to management.

But whilst Ferdinand is looking forward to the prospect of seeing his former team-mate return to the dugout, he has warned the Irishman that he will have to change his approach and general character to get a modern day player to buy into his methods.

Ferdinand told Vibe with Five: "I'd just love to see him in it. I'd love to see him in there and have another go at it. love watching him, he's very tongue-in-cheek, he plays a role in the studio now which is good.

"But I'd like to see that character in and around the training ground and in press conferences before and after game to see how he reacts again.

"I think he's always wanted to get back into coaching and managing. This has been a little hobby for him until an opportunity comes.

"I really hope he does [get the job] and he did alright there. He won the Championship in 2006/07 and he's somebody that has the charisma, the profile and it's about proving that he’s got the got the ability now."

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