Sunderland have now found their first choice to become head coach in the summer.
Sunderland are almost two months into their pursuit of a new permanent manager, having sacked Michael Beale last month.
Mike Dodds was then named interim until the end of the season, but his tenure has so far not gone to plan.
The 37-year-old guided the Black Cats to their first win in eight games as they overcame Cardiff City this week, having picked up only one point in his six games at the helm.
Sunderland were heavily criticised for their decision to appoint Beale before Christmas, so all eyes are on them as they look to bring in a permanent replacement that manages to stay at the top for longer than a matter of months.
The Wearside outfit have already been linked with a number of familiar names, while they are said to be back on the hunt for Reims coach Will Still.
Things have gone quiet recently, though it is expected that Kristjaan Speakman’s search for a new manager is a non-stop mission for the sporting director, who is under growing pressure from supporters.
Sunderland target two-time promotion winner
While it was previously expected that Sunderland would look abroad for their new man, journalist Alan Nixon has now claimed their main target is a little closer to home.
Speaking on his Patreon, Nixon said: “Sunderland have put Paul Heckingbottom at the top of their wanted list to be their next boss.
“The Black Cats are looking around for a long term appointment as they stagger along under caretaker Michael Dodds.
“And former Sheffield United chief Heckingbottom is the manager who ticks the boxes if he is willing to work with the current regime and way of doing things.
“Sunderland want to promote young players within a budget and keep some existing staff under the next boss.
“Heckingbottom has been waiting for the right opening since leaving the Blades. He has missed out on some jobs in the last few months.
“The Wearsiders spoke to Heckingbottom before appointing Michael Beale but it may suit both the club and their target this time.
“The experienced boss took United to promotion and wants to join a club with similar ambitions.”
Is Heckingbottom our best option?
Paul Heckingbottom has two promotions under his belt – one via the play-offs with Barnsley, and the other with a second-place finish in the Championship with Sheffield United last season.
The 46-year-old has the best win percentage at Bramall Lane (50%) since Danny Wilson in 2011-13 and the second-best out of any permanent manager in the club’s history.
Heckingbottom feels like another slightly underwhelming appointment given the names we have been linked with, but one I could maybe get behind after the success of Tony Mowbray and Alex Neil in similar situations.
Heckingbottom has already achieved promotion to the Premier League and arguably shouldn’t have been sacked by the Blades given their form since.
It does feel like another safe option for Speakman though, who seems to want to go all out by bringing in young strikers from across the world, but gets cold feet at the thought of doing the same with a promising foreign manager.