New mystery Sunderland 'top target' emerges in head coach search as Will Still pursuit cools

Will Still is not the top Sunderland target for a new head coach, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Still has been high on Sunderland’s wishlist since they sacked Tony Mowbray earlier this month, with L’Equipe claiming the Stade de Reims boss is very keen on the job.

His contract, which does not have a release built into it until the summer, and Reims’ firm stance on keeping him has complicated that pursuit, though, and now the usually impeccably reliable Romano says Sunderland have ‘another name’ at the top of their list now.

READ MORE: Will Still says his immediate 'desire' is to win games for Reims as he confirms Sunderland interest

“Understand nothing has been agreed or done between Sunderland and Reims manager Will Still,” Romano said on X, formerly Twitter.

“Sunderland keep working on new head coach but they’ve another name in the list as top target now. Talks ongoing."

🔴⚪️ Understand nothing has been agreed or done between Sunderland and Reims manager Will Still.

Sunderland keep working on new head coach but they’ve another name in the list as top target now. Talks ongoing. pic.twitter.com/PKOWILAV3w
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 14, 2023

While Sunderland are keen to make an appointment as soon as possible, they do have plenty of time on their side.

Interim boss Mike Dodds has won both of his games in charge so far, and he has prepared the team for the weekend trip to Bristol City as well.

Dodds especially impressed tactically in both games, wins over play-off chasing West Brom and Leeds, so he is seen as a very safe pair of hands while a permanent replacement for Mowbray can be found.

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