A Premier League icon is reportedly ‘interested’ in taking the Sunderland job this summer.
Sunderland‘s pursuit of a new manager is yet to come to a conclusion after they missed out on a number of targets.
Will Still had appeared to be their main priority, having been linked with him since Tony Mowbray’s sacking in December.
However, their plans were foiled when he decided to join Lens instead, before Liam Rosenior also pulled out of the running this month.
The Black Cats are believed to have a number of unnamed candidates on their radar, while QPR manager Marti Cifuentes is also a name that has interested them.
They have so far really struggled to lure coaches to Wearside though, with many opting against the move for whatever reason.
While it feels like managers don’t just want to join Sunderland, there is reportedly one who is ‘interested’ in solving the club’s search.
Robbie Keane wants the Sunderland job
According to The Northern Echo, Robbie Keane is ‘monitoring the situation’ and would be eager to join Sunderland if given the opportunity.
The report claims there has been no contact between the two parties, but the move would have potential if Sunderland were to consider him.
Having spent a majority of his playing career in England with the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool, Keane could now look to take his first managerial role in the country.
The Irishman began his coaching career in India with ATK in 2018, before spending time with Middlesbrough, Republic of Ireland national team and Leeds United.
He was appointed as manager of Maccabi Tel Aviv in June 2023, with Rory Delap as his assistant.
Keane led the Israel outfit to victory in the 2024 Toto Cup, as well as winning the Israeli Premier League by eleven points.
The 43-year-old decided to leave the club at the end of the season and is now looking for his next challenge.
The Black Cats may panic and appoint the former striker now
Keane is quickly eager to find a new club quickly and has thrown his name into the hat for the Sunderland job.
It wouldn’t be a particularly inspiring move for Sunderland, given his lack of experience in management. However, their previous links have suggested they aren’t afraid to appoint in experienced managers from abroad.
It wouldn’t be too surprising if they were to look to Keane now, especially given that he would be a cheap option and he is clearly open to working under their model.
The Black Cats are likely to be at a stage of panic, so if a manager shows interest in joining the club, they could well work quickly to appoint them no matter what the outcome is.