Sunderland to move quickly to replace Sam Allardyce after he secures England job

David Moyes remains the favourite to be appointed as Allardyce’s replacement at Sunderland, despite odds tumbling on Steve Bruce after he left Hull City today.

Officials are thought to have held advanced discussions with Moyes and an agreement with the ex-Manchester United manager is close to completion.

A club statement read: "Sunderland AFC confirms the departure of Sam Allardyce, who takes up the position of England manager with immediate effect.

"The focus of everyone at Sunderland AFC now is on moving forward quickly and decisively, with the appointment of the club’s new manager to be confirmed at the earliest opportunity."

Allardyce held talks with the Football Association last week, and his appointment was finally announced after a compensation package was agreed with Sunderland.

Reports have suggested the Black Cats could receive £3million from the FA.

Sunderland are not expected to waste any time in finalising a deal for David Moyes to arrive as a replacement.

Moyes was on a coaching seminar in Jordan earlier this week, but he is eager to return to the dug-out after being out of work since being sacked by Spanish side Real Sociedad in November.

But like the club’s transfer business, the move for Moyes had been on hold until confirmation of Allardyce’s appointment as Roy Hodgson’s successor.