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Sunderland will approach Derek McInnes when Aberdeen boss returns from holiday this week

SunSport understands the Aberdeen boss remains the Black Cats’ No1 target to replace David Moyes

Derek McInnes is preparing to lead Aberdeen into the Scottish Cup Final against Celtic on Saturday

SUNDERLAND are ready to make a formal approach for Derek McInnes when he returns from holiday this week.

SunSport understands the Aberdeen boss remains the Black Cats’ No1 target to replace David Moyes.

 Derek McInnes is preparing to lead Aberdeen into the Scottish Cup Final against Celtic on Saturday
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Derek McInnes is preparing to lead Aberdeen into the Scottish Cup Final against Celtic on SaturdayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

And Sunderland chief executive Martin Bain will try and persuade his fellow Scot to move to the Stadium of Light in the coming days.


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McInnes, 45, has been away in America since last month’s Scottish Cup final defeat to Celtic.

But when he comes back to Scotland, Sunderland will seek permission from the Dons to open negotiations as they look to finally appointment a new manager following a search which is now into its fourth week.

McInnes does have reservations about the Championship club given the lack of money they have available to spend on new signings this summer.

A major rebuilding job is required but Sunderland are £137million in debt and owner Ellis Short is in talks about selling the club to a group from Germany.

However, McInnes will likely triple his £300,000-a-year salary if he leaves Aberdeen and Bain hopes to convince him the Black Cats are worth the risk.

 Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is the favourite to become the next Sunderland boss
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Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is the favourite to become the next Sunderland bossCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 David Moyes failed to keep Sunderland in the Premier League - and then decided to leave his post as boss
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David Moyes failed to keep Sunderland in the Premier League - and then decided to leave his post as bossCredit: Getty Images

Preston boss Simon Grayson and the out-of-work Nigel Pearson and Paul Lambert have also come into Sunderland’s thinking.

While Black Cats legend Kevin Phillips, who is currently coaching at Derby, is the joint bookies’ favourite alongside McInnes.

 

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