Sunderland line up ex-Premier League boss as manager after sacking Michael Beale but will have to agree special terms

PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM is top of Sunderland’s wanted list to be their next manager.

The Black Cats want a long-term appointment after staggering along under caretaker boss Michael Dodds.

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And former Sheffield United chief Heck ticks the boxes.

But that is if he is willing to work with the current regime and way of doing things.

Sunderland want to promote their young players and keep some existing staff under the next boss.

Heckingbottom, 46, had talks with the Wearsiders before Michael Beale got the job in December.

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Heckingbottom spent two years in charge of Sheffield United and led them to Premier League promotion in 2023.

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However, the Barnsley tactician suffered a dismal campaign with the Blades in the top flight as he lost 11 out of 14 matches, of which he only won one.

Heckingbottom was sacked in December and was replaced by Chris Wilder at Bramall Lane.

Sheffield United are still bottom of the Prem table with seven points separating them from safety.