Sunderland in talks with David Moyes as replacement for Sam Allardyce - Sky sources

David Moyes could be back in the Premier League with Sunderland

Sunderland will look to David Moyes to fill the vacancy left by Sam Allardyce once he is confirmed as England manager, Sky sources understand.

Allardyce has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Roy Hodgson and his appointment could be ratified after a meeting of the Football Association Board on Thursday.

Sunderland expressed their 'anger and frustration' over the news that broke on Wednesday evening, but have now turned their attentions to finding a successor.

Allardyce was appointed by the Wearsiders early last season and turned their campaign around, managing to help them avoid relegation after a dreadful start to 2015-16.

He was on the bench for the first half of the pre-season friendly with Hartlepool, which Sunderland won 3-0, but did not appear for the second period.

Sky Sports News HQ understands talks have already taken place with Moyes with Sunderland keen to have a contingency plan in place should the FA plump for Allardyce over Hull boss Steve Bruce.

Sunderland arrived at Hartlepool following news of his expected England appointment

A deal to bring the former Everton and Manchester United manager to the Stadium of Light could happen quickly once the England appointment is confirmed.

Moyes has been out of work since November 2015 when he was fired by Real Sociedad after a year in charge of the Spanish club.