Wigan Athletic manager Paul Cook is among the favourites to become the new Sunderland manager ahead of his side's upcoming meeting with Nottingham Forest.
Forest - currently second in the Championship table - head to the DW Stadium after the international break, on Sunday October 20, as they look to extend an unbeaten League run that stretches back to the opening day.
Cook's Latics side three points above the relegation zone after three wins, two draws and six defeats from their 11 fixtures.
Ahead of their next outing against Sabri Lamouchi's men, though, Wigan boss Cook is being linked with the Stadium of Light vacancy, following Jack Ross' sacking on Tuesday.
As of Thursday morning, Cook's odds had shortened to 6/1 with League sponsors SkyBet to be named the next Black Cats manager.
That had him third in the running behind Daniel Stendel - sacked by Barnsley a few hours before Ross' Sunderland departure - and Wycombe Wanderers' Gareth Ainsworth, both at 2/1.
Forest legend and ex-Black Cats boss Roy Keane is at 14/1, while Nigel Clough is just behind him at 16/1.
The Reds drew 2-2 away to Wigan last season, before winning 3-1 at the City Fround in January.
Odds correct at time of publishing, 11am on Thursday October 10.
