Sunderland don’t look any closer to appointing a new manager as the weekend approaches.
The Black Cats seem to have been linked with every available manager in Europe, but continue to be rejected by each of their targets.
Will Still had looked like their firm favourite after showing interest back in December, but the 31-year-old eventually chose to return to France with Lens.
Sunderland then withdrew their interest in Pascal Jansen and moved onto Liam Rosenior, days after Kyril Louis-Dreyfus claimed an appointment was imminent.
The former Hull City coach held talks on Wearside and was scheduled for further discussions as the club looked finally set to name their new manager.
However, in typical Sunderland fashion, Rosenior quickly pulled out of the running when Burnley came calling.
It was reported that the Clarets had named Rosenior, Frank Lampard and Scott Parker on theirthree-man shortlist, with the trio set for interviews at Turf Moor.
Ruud van Nistelrooy to be named Burnley boss
The 39-year-old’s decision made sense as he looked to join Burnley, however it now looks like he could be left unemployed after turning down the Sunderland job.
It was previously reported that he was no longer on Burnley’s shortlist, while it has since been reported he will miss out to a former Manchester United legend.
According to De Telegraaf, the newly-relegated club are closing in on a deal to appoint Ruud Van Nistelrooy as their new head coach.
The Dutchman hasn’t been in England since leaving Old Trafford in 2006, while he most recently spent the 2022-23 season as PSV manager.
He won the Johan Cruyff Shield and KNVB Cup before resigning from the club, and is now set to return to management over a year later.
Could Liam Rosenior still join Sunderland?
Van Nistelrooy’s arrival leaves Rosenior without a job, a week after he opted against moving to the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland don’t seem to be any closer to appointing a manager and could potentially come full circle if Van Nistelrooy’s move to Turf Moor is confirmed before they can bring in their own head coach.
Whether Rosenior could come back to Wearside with his tail in between his legs is unclear, but Louis-Dreyfus certainly wouldn’t be able to turn him down if he did.
The 35-year-old still looks to be the best option for Sunderland and if he becomes available again then they may have to swallow their pride and go back in for him.