Sunderland remain “very interested’’ in sacked Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel.
The Black Cats, who received permission to speak to Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth, also have Stendel high on their shortlist to replace Jack Ross.
A source close to Stendel’s camp confirmed he is still firmly on Sunderland’s radar.
The German coach was dismissed by the Tykes on Tuesday – only hours before Sunderland axed Ross.
And Black Cats owner Stewart Donald quickly identified Stendel as a possible successor, saying: “I’m sure he’ll be somebody we’ll potentially look at.’’
Donald wants a manager to lead Sunderland to promotion after they missed out under Ross last season by losing the League One play-off final to Charlton.
Stendel fits the profile, having taken Barnsley up last term, but he managed only one win this season and they are second bottom in the Championship.
Ainsworth, who has steered Wycombe into promotion contention in League One, has been in charge of the Chairboys for seven years and led them up from League Two in 2017-18.
Millwall are another club interested in Ainsworth as they seek a replacement for Neil Harris.
But despite Ainsworth being contracted until the summer of 2023, Wycombe are expected to claim modest compensation.
Sunderland are also eyeing Wigan’s Paul Cook, who has ex-Black Cats boss Peter Reid on his backroom staff.
