Portsmouth's League Two title-winning boss Paul Cook a 'strong' candidate to take charge of Sunderland

According to The Northern Echo, the former Pompey boss has supporters among the Stadium of Light hierarchy to succeed Phil Parkinson in the hot seat.

Parkinson was axed as Black Cats manager after just 13 months in charge.

Taking over from Jack Ross in October 2019, he failed to get Sunderland promoted from League One last season. The Mackems finished eighth when the campaign was curtailed amid the coronavirus crisis and the table decided by a points-per-game formula.

After a five-match winless run, culminating in a 1-1 draw at Fleetwood, Parkinson was relieved of his duties on Sunday evening.

The next candidate who takes the reins at Sunderland will again be tasked with guiding them back to the Championship after their well-documented plight.

Cook is currently 2/1 second-favourite with Sky Bet to get the Black Cats job, although William Hill have him priced up as 6/4 favourite.

Pompey's 2017 League Two title-winning supremo has been out of work since standing down from Wigan at the end of last campaign.

The Latics finished 13th in the Championship but were hit by a 12-point deduction for entering administration and were relegated.

It’s claimed that Cook was considered for the role last year before Parkinson was appointed.

The Liverpudlian has said on numerous occasions that he wants to return to management in the Championship, although a club like Sunderland could be tempting.

Gus Poyet is a frontrunner to return to the Black Cats, having been manager between 2013-15 when they were in the Premier League.

The Uruguayan supposedly has support from compatriot Juan Sartori – who is moving close to becoming majority shareholder of Sunderland, along with Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.

Poyet, who was last seen managing Bordeaux in 2018, is the 8/11 favourite with Sky Bet but as big as 2/1 with William Hill.

Meanwhile, Danny Cowley is 7/4 with William Hill but 6/1 third-favourite with Sky Bet to land the job. He was sacked by Huddersfield last season.

Ex-Pompey defender Eddie Howe is a 25/1 outsider after departing AFC Bournemouth following their relegation from the Premier League in July.