Nigel Clough reveals Sunderland approach and explains what it would take to leave Burton Albion

The Burton boss, whose father Brian famously played for the Black Cats, was rumoured to be one of a host of names approached by Sunderland as they sought a successor to Jack Ross.

And while Parkinson was eventually the man given the job, Clough has spoken about the approach made to the Brewers in October and whether he was actively looking for a new challenge.

For the 53-year-old, it would take an exceptional set of circumstances to prise him away from the Pirelli Stadium.

Speaking to the Totally Football Show, he said: “No, not actively seeking [a new job], but if one comes up, and the chairman [Ben Robinson] said all along he wouldn’t stand in our way,”

“He’s been brilliant over the years like that. But it’s got to be a reasonable job to tempt us away from here, because we work with one of the best chairmen in the country and we’re allowed to get on and do our jobs and manage.

“I think Sunderland made an inquiry when that vacancy came up a few months ago, but that didn’t go anywhere in the end and they got Phil Parkinson in. So it would take, I think, a situation like that.

“I think it would take other clubs maybe to recognise the situation in which we work here, which is tough, with the financial restrictions.”