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Dick Advocaat will be handed a £50million transfer war-chest to revitalise Sunderland.

Dutch veteran Advocaat has been persuaded to perform a sensational U-turn and stay on as head coach, nine days after he quit the post.

“They would not let go,” said Advocaat, who has been handed a one-year contract and the promise of massive funds to ensure the Wearsiders don’t push their luck with a FOURTH consecutive relegation battle next season.

The 67-year-old declared himself “fit” for the challenge and has already handed sporting director Lee Congerton a list of his “ideas” for new signings.

Advocaat, who will work alongside deal-maker Congerton, confirmed: “The owner is willing to make resources available.”

That owner, American tycoon Ellis Short, insisted that Advocaat remained his No1 choice even after he walked away following the last game of the season against Chelsea.

Advocaat admitted that “the owner kept calling” and that his persistence - and pledge to spend big - eventually paid off.

The former Holland boss, who took over an apparently sinking ship in mid-March after the sacking of Gus Poyet, said: “The club kept in touch with me all the time. They would not let go.

"The owner made it clear he wanted me to stay. They want to build Sunderland into a force that can play around a good position in the Premier League. And the owner wants to help me build that team. I saw over the last few months what a beautiful club it is, so I have decided to sign a new deal.

“Sunderland is a fantastic club. I actually like it that I can pick and build a team for the new season. The club think I am still fit enough on the training ground - and I think so too!’’

In pictures - Sunderland draw with Arsenal to guarantee survival:

Two weeks ago, Advocaat hinted at quitting “on a high” and wept on the touchline at the Emirates stadium as Sunderland guaranteed safety with a 0-0 draw against Arsenal.

He outlined his desire to return to international management - after previous spells in charge of his homeland (twice), plus the UAE, South Korea, Belgium Russia and Serbia - which would be less time-consuming than the “eight days a week” job at the Stadium of Light.

But Advocaat has been won round with the option of a short-term deal.

He will be tasked with a clean-up of the squad, which will also see departures.

﻿Five Sunderland summer targets...

VIRGIL VAN DIJK £10million-rated defender and long-time Sunderland target is leaving Celtic.

PATRICK BAMFORD Young Chelsea striker was the Championship's player of last season on loan at Middlesbrough.

SEKO FOFANAManchester City's 20-year-old midfielder would be a loan signing.

SAM BYRAM A £5m fee would be required for Leeds' England Under-20s right-back.

SEBASTIAN COATES Enjoyed a successful spell on loan from Liverpool at the end of last season and could join permanently for £6m.

...and one they DON'T want

RICKY ALVAREZ Sunderland are committed to buying the Inter Milan midfielder for £7.5m as part of last summer's loan agreement but want to cancel the deal, claiming he is injured.