Sam Allardyce has told Sunderland that he would be interested in discussing the vacant manager's seat at the Stadium of Light.
Former Black Cats boss Roy Keane ended a fortnight of speculation on Thursday when he resigned after just 27 months in charge.
Chairman Niall Quinn confessed that he attempted to change Keane's mind but, after an unsuccessful attempt to sway his former Republic of Ireland team-mate, a hunt is now on for a successor.
Allardyce, who spent a season as a player with Sunderland and also served on the Black Cats' coaching staff in the reign of Peter Reid, is the bookmakers' favourite, while his ex-Bolton assistant and current Hull City chief Phil Brown is also in contention.
And former Newcastle manager Allardyce, who was axed at St James' Park in January, has now admitted a curiosity in replacing Keane.
"Sunderland are a great club so of course I would be interested in talking to them," Allardyce said in The Sun.
"I have huge respect for the chairman Niall Quinn and the job he has done.
"I enjoyed the year I had at Sunderland and also when I did some coaching work there under Peter Reid.
"I also know how passionate the fans are about their team."
Sam Allardyce has told Sunderland that he would be interested in discussing the vacant manager's seat at the Stadium of Light.
Former Black Cats boss Roy Keane ended a fortnight of speculation on Thursday when he resigned after just 27 months in charge.
Chairman Niall Quinn confessed that he attempted to change Keane's mind but, after an unsuccessful attempt to sway his former Republic of Ireland team-mate, a hunt is now on for a successor.
Allardyce, who spent a season as a player with Sunderland and also served on the Black Cats' coaching staff in the reign of Peter Reid, is the bookmakers' favourite, while his ex-Bolton assistant and current Hull City chief Phil Brown is also in contention.
And former Newcastle manager Allardyce, who was axed at St James' Park in January, has now admitted a curiosity in replacing Keane.
"Sunderland are a great club so of course I would be interested in talking to them," Allardyce said in The Sun.
"I have huge respect for the chairman Niall Quinn and the job he has done.
"I enjoyed the year I had at Sunderland and also when I did some coaching work there under Peter Reid.
"I also know how passionate the fans are about their team."