The new regime at the Stadium of Light is expected to opt for an experienced manager, with Stewart Donald's takeover - subject to EFL ratification - edging ever nearer.

Chris Wilder remains the overwhelming favourite, the Sheffield United manager is priced at 1/2 with bookmakers SkyBet and Betfair while Leicester City coach Michael Appleton is 5/1.

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There has been little change in the bookies odds since Chris Coleman was sacked and Sunderland won't appoint a new manager until the takeover has been confirmed, there is hope that could be this week.

Hudson, meanwhile, has downplayed talk of a move to Sunderland, telling reporters in the US: "My life right now is the Colorado Rapids.

"I am just dying to get this team to where we want it to be. I want to be here for a long time. I want to build something special here.

"I communicate that regularly to Pádraig [Smith - Colorado Rapids’ vice president and general manager].

Sunderland owner-in-waiting Stewart Donald.

"I communicate that regularly because I know where we are now. I know what needs to happen.

"I know the changes we need to make. I know what this team can be. I want to see it through; I want to be here for a long time. I’m not thinking about anything else."

Hudson, 37, was born in Seattle but had spells in the youth team at West Ham and Luton Town before focusing on his coaching career.

He was named Newport County manager aged just 30 after a glowing reference from Harry Redknapp, who likened him to a ‘young Jose Mourinho’ but was sacked after five wins from 18 games.

Hudson had a spell as Bahrain national boss before leading New Zealand to the World Cup play-off final where they lost out to Peru.

Hudson, the son of former Chelsea star Alan, was appointed as head coach at MLS side Rapids in November.