Sunderland will target Patrick Vieira as David Moyes’ replacement at the Stadium of Light should the current manager be fired or quits, reports the Sun.
A 2-0 loss at West Brom on Saturday leaves Sunderland three points from safety at the foot of the Premier League table.
The Black Cats have just four wins to their name this season and Moyes faces an uphill struggle to haul the club out of the relegation zone.
And Vieira ranks top of the managerial shortlist should Sunderland pursue a replacement for the 53-year-old boss.
Vieira, 40, is currently in charge of MLS side New York City FC, but has ambitions to manage in the Premier League and has earned a number of plaudits during is time in the US.
Manchester City, who have ties with New York City FC, have eyed Vieira as a long term successor to Pep Guardiola, but have no plans to appoint the Frenchman any time soon, which could see Sunderland approach the former Arsenal midfielder if Moyes is shown the Stadium of Light exit.
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