Sunderland will interview Roy Keane for their vacant managerial post in what would be a sensational return to the Stadium of Light.
Keane, who led Sunderland to the Championship title in 2007, has support from within the club and is seen as the type of character they need to reignite their League One promotion push.
Sportsmail has been told that ‘a leader who sets standards’ is wanted Keane fits the bill and will speak to the club in the coming days.
Lee Johnson was sacked on Sunday after a 6-0 defeat at Bolton left them third in the table and out of the automatic promotion places.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman was then involved in a frank exchange with several players during a training-ground meeting on Monday when they challenged some of the reasons for Johnson’s dismissal.
Speakman and owner Kyril Louis- Dreyfus will lead the interview process. It is 13 years since Keane quit as Sunderland boss, citing differences with former owner Ellis Short.
He took over in August 2006 with the team second-bottom of the Championship and led them to the title. They then survived in 15th position in the Premier League in 2007-08, but Keane walked away in December of the following season.
However, he remains popular on Wearside and those inside the club are aware of the potential his appointment could have for creating momentum, especially coupled with the return of Jermain Defoe this week.
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The ownership believe the dressing-room needs a winning culture instilled within it, and Keane’s name has been spoken about with great enthusiasm.
Keane, 50, last managed at Ipswich in 2011 but is keen for a return to the dugout. He has since worked as assistant boss with the Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa and, most recently, Nottingham Forest in 2019. He has also forged a hugely successful punditry career with Sky Sports.
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