Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips would love to be the club's new manager.
When asked by Chronicle Live, a source close to Phillips simply replied: 'Yes, of course' when asked if Phillips would be interested in the role to replace Jack Ross who was sacked on Tuesday afternoon.
Ross was appointed as Sunderland boss last summer and although he guided the Black Cats to two Wembley finals his failure to win promotion from League One last term heightened the pressure on him.
After an indifferent start to the season, owner Stewart Donald decided to act 'with a heavy heart' on Tuesday to relieve Ross of his position as Black Cats manager.
Phillips has made no secret of his desire to move into management having held coaching roles with Leicester, Derby and Stoke.
He has been named among the early bookies favourites and a report from the Daily Star claims that Phillips could link up with former Sunderland team-mate Alex Rae, who has management experience with Dundee and St Mirren.
Ross' assistant manager James Fowler has been placed in temporary charge of Sunderland ahead of tonight's leasing.com Trophy clash with Grimsby.
Former Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel and Roy Keane - who previously had a successful spell in charge of Sunderland - are currently the two favourites to succeed Ross according to the bookmakers.
