Alan Pardew is the surprise name on the list of potential Sunderland candidates. Christopher Lee/Getty Images

Former Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew is the surprise name in the frame for the vacant manager's job at Sunderland, sources close to Pardew have told ESPN FC.

Sunderland are beginning their search for a new manager after David Moyes resigned from his role on Monday just 24 hours following the final game of the season -- Sunday's 5-1 defeat to champions Chelsea.

The Black Cats are keen to get the right man to replace Moyes. They are currently preparing for life back in the Championship next season after they finished bottom of the Premier League, with just six wins from their 38 games.

A number of names have already been linked with the vacancy, but it is former Newcastle chief Pardew's name that is the surprise for the Sunderland role.

Pardew is keen to get back into management this summer, having been out of work since being sacked by Crystal Palace in December.

The 55-year-old has been linked with several jobs since leaving Palace, and sources have told ESPN FC he could be interested in the Sunderland job if he feels it is the right long-term project.

Pardew boasts a wealth of experience, having had spells in charge of Reading, West Ham United, Charlton, Southampton, Newcastle and Palace. And he has the experience of leading a club to promotion from the Championship to the Premier League after guiding West Ham to the top flight in 2005.

Pardew spent four years at Newcastle, including winning Manager of the Year in the 2011-12 season as he guided the club to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League.

Sunderland have shown in the past they are not afraid to appoint a former Newcastle manager at the Stadium of Light after giving Sam Allardyce the job in 2015.