Strange Noises Coming From Mackemland!

Wigan boss Steve Bruce has emerged as the firm favourite for the post but Mancini was quoted on Sunday as saying he had been offered the chance to take over at the Stadium of Light, and hinted he would relish the opportunity to return to football after a 12-month absence.

But his agent, Giorgio De Giorgis, later said Sunderland had not been in touch.

He said: "Mancini is aware of those reports.

"But we have not received an offer, nor have we been in touch with anyone from Sunderland."