Roy Keane linked with Sunderland return

Roy Keane has emerged as a surprise candidate to replace Lee Johnson at Sunderland, with reports in the UK saying the club plans to interview the Corkman over a return to Wearside.

Keane secured promotion for Sunderland to the Premier League in 2007 in his first season in management before resigning a year later.

A subsequent spell in charge of Ipswich Town lasted just 20 months in January 2011, a role that turned out to be his last in management.

Since then the 50-year-old has enjoyed roles with Ireland and Nottingham Forest asassistant manager to Martin O'Neill. He quit as Aston Villa assistant manager after just four months in 2014, citing a need to concentrate on his international role.

Keane has been a regular pundit on Sky Sports and last year indicated that if he were to sign another deal with the broadcaster, a return to club management would be unlikely.

Sunderland sit third in League but dismissed Johnson after the recent 6-0 defeat to Bolton.