Michael O'Neill under serious consideration as Sunderland managerial search continues
Michael O'Neill is under serious consideration as Sunderland continue their search for a new manager.
O'Neill is considering his future as Northern Ireland boss having narrowly missed out on qualification to the World Cup.
His side drew 0-0 with Switzerland on Sunday night after a 1-0 defeat in Belfast days earlier.
Reports today have suggested that Northern Ireland hope to tie him down to a new contract, while he is also understood to be Scotland's number one preference to succeed Gordon Strachan.
The Black Cats are keen on the 48-year-old, who is one of a number of names in the frame.
Paul Heckingbottom and Ally McCoist have also been discussed as Martin Bain conducts interviews.
The search for a new boss has entered its third week, with Sunderland keen to speak to every potential candidate.
O'Neill's superb achievements as manager of Northern Ireland have made him highly sough-after.