'Major Coup' - Stoke City legend Jon Walters reacts to Alex Neil's switch from Sunderland

Sunderland head coach Alex Neil looks set to join Championship rivals Stoke City just a week after defeating them in the league.

The move will likely prove to be a devastating blow for Sunderland, especially with just under a week still to go in the transfer window. That closes September 1.

Neil was been given permission to speak to the Potters about the vacant position earlier today and is the clear favourite with bookmakers to take charge at the bet365 Stadium.

He took training at the Academy of Light on Friday as normal and is understood to have picked the team for the visit of Norwich City on Saturday lunchtime.

Neil then departed shortly before a rearranged pre-match press conference was planned for 2pm, with the club issuing a statement. Neil is then understood to have said his goodbyes and is now on his way to Stoke to finalise the deal.

The drama has prompted many comments from fans and pundits alike, with former Stoke City attacker Jonathan Walters delivering his verdict on the situation on Twitter.

He said: “If Stoke can get Alex Neil over the line it will be a major coup. His teams were always difficult to play against. Premier League experience, promotions on the CV and a very good man manager.”

Asked if Neil would be a better appointment than ex-Burnley manager Shaun Dyche, Walters added: “He’d be some appointment but it would be difficult to appoint a manager who’s just come out of the Premier League!