Sunderland will now have to pay a six-figure fee if they are to appoint one manager target.
Sunderland’s search for a new manager was thrown into chaos yesterday after reports claimed that Pascal Jansen was no longer in contention for the job.
The former AZ Alkmaar coach had been a favourite to replace Michael Beale, after previously being linked with the likes of Norwich, Everton and Ajax.
However, despite Kyril Louis-Dreyfus claiming an appointment was ‘imminent’, Jansen is no longer under consideration by the club.
Liam Rosenior is one name that continues to be linked with a move to Wearside, while QPR manager Marti Cifuentes is believed to be the latest on the shortlist.
The Spaniard joined QPR from Hammarby in October, with the club sat six points from safety.
Cifuentes guided QPR to 13 wins in their next 32 matches as they finished in 18th place – six points above the relegation zone.
Marti Cifuentes would cost Sunderland
The 41-year-old is thought to be of interest to Sunderland, though journalist Alan Nixon has now reported they will have to pay a ‘hefty’ compensation fee to lure him in.
Nixon wrote in his Patreon: “Sunderland will have to pay a hefty compensation fee for QPR boss Marti Cifuentes.
“The Black Cats have switched their managerial search around dramatically in the last few days with the Spaniard a favourite of leading figures at the club.
“But Rangers will ask for a six figure fee for Cifuentes and Sunderland would have no option but to fork out.”
Will Sunderland go for another out-of-work manager?
Sunderland have appointed unemployed managers on the last occasions, making it very clear they wish to avoid paying compensation fees.
The Black Cats would surely be prepared to pay the cash at this point if they are impressed by him, while they are really under pressure to bring in a manager and may not have much of a choice if they are beginning to run out of options elsewhere.
While Cifuentes could be a good option for Sunderland, it would actually be rather surprising if he left QPR.
Perhaps Sunderland have more potential, but moving up north from the capital surely wouldn’t be very tempting for the Spaniard. QPR also finished the season on the same points as the Black Cats.
It still feels like an unlikely move from Sunderland, who will surely be eager to appoint the unemployed Liam Rosenior now.