Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes will listen to Sunderland if they come calling for his services.
The Dons manager, who is on holiday in the United States, has been heavily linked with the vacant managerial position at the English Championship club but the Black Cats have not yet made an approach to speak to the 45-year-old.
Preston North End manager Simon Grayson, former Wolves manager Paul Lambert and former Leeds United manager Garry Monk have also been linked with the job which has been vacant since David Moyes quit the club last month.
Interest in the Sunderland post has been tempered by reports the new manager will have to work under severe financial restrictions at the Stadium of Light.
It is claimed Moyes resigned last month after being told by owner Ellis Short he would not receive any of the £40million parachute payment from the Premier League and could not be guaranteed to have use of all the proceeds of any money generated by player sales.
Black Cats chief executive Martin Bain has not made any approaches for potential targets yet but is expected to step up the recruitment process this week and McInnes is understood to be willing to listen to the former Rangers’ chief executive’s sales pitch.
The Dons would expect substantial compensation for their manager, who has two years remaining on his current deal at the club, should Sunderland come calling for McInnes.