Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Crisis club Sunderland are ready to go back for Patrick Vieira – if Dick Advocaat quits the Stadium of Light.

Mirror Sport can reveal highly-rated Manchester City youth coach Vieira was on Sunderland’s hit-list last summer and they will explore his availability again if Advocaat goes.

The Dutchman has already said he would stand aside if a better candidate comes along with Sunderland rooted to the foot of the Premier League.

Sunderland are in increasing danger after their defeat at Manchester United on Saturday.

(Image: Ian Horrocks)

Advocaat was persuaded to stay on at Sunderland after keeping them up last season, but they have struggled this term after a frustrating summer in the transfer market.

Sunderland owner Ellis Short was keen on Vieira in the summer along with Burnley’s Sean Dyche and both were on the shortlist.

Dyche thought he was in the frame, while Sunderland are also believed to have asked City about permission to talk to former Arsenal captain Vieira about the top job.

(Image: Ian Horrocks)

City are adamant that they want to keep Vieira as he is gaining a strong reputation for helping to oversee their youth development.

But they also recognise that one day he may want to manage a senior team and feared in the summer they may not be able to stop him from leaving.

Newcastle also enquired about Vieira and it remains to be seen whether he could be tempted away if Sunderland make a fresh approach.

In pictures - Manchester United 3-0 Sunderland

Dyche has also made a strong start to the season at Burnley and was just days away from being approached by Sunderland about the job.

Sunderland were able to persuade Advocaat to stay for one more year in the summer and Paul Bracewell was a significant appointment within his backroom staff.

But if Advocaat goes then Vieira and Dyche are two figures likely to be at the top of the club’s shortlist, along with former Toon boss Sam Allardyce.