Michael O'Neill under serious consideration as Sunderland managerial search continues

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.