SUNDERLAND are reportedly set to interview former boss Roy Keane for their vacant managerial hot seat – 13 years after he QUIT the Stadium of Light.
Manchester United’s legendary former midfielder, 50, is among those being lined up for talks after Lee Johnson’s sacking.
Sunderland axed Johnson on Saturday following their dismal 6-0 defeat to Bolton.
And SunSport understands Keane could be the man that owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus turns to as his replacement, with fan favourite Jermain Defoe already returning on a free transfer.
Keane’s first-ever job as a manager came at Sunderland in 2006.
He led them to the Championship title in his first season and followed that up a year later by avoiding relegation from the Premier League.
However, Keane stood down from his position in December 2008 after a breakdown in his relationship with then-owner Ellis Short and chairman Niall Quinn.
Yet that would not affect his chances with a new owner and a team desperate to get out of League One.
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Sunderland are sweating after falling off the pace for an automatic promotion slot.
And Keane’s famous no-nonsense style could be just what the Black Cats need to return to the Championship.
His only other role as a manager came at Ipswich Town, who he managed for less than two years.
But Keane has also enjoyed spells as assistant boss at Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and the Republic of Ireland national team.
Having also spent time as a pundit on Sky Sports, he could be eager for a return to the dugout in the No1 job.
But there is also interest from another former Sunderland manager in Mick McCarthy, who is available after being sacked by Cardiff earlier this season.
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