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Real Madrid legend Guti, former Barcelona forward Patrick Kluivert and Champions League winner Benni McCarthy are in the running to succeed Sunderland boss Jack Ross as the new St Mirren manager.

Ross left the Saints last month to take charge of Sunderland, and he is said to be earning five times more money per year on Wearside.

Nonetheless, that hasn’t deterred either Guti, Kluivert or McCarthy from throwing their hat into the ring to succeed Ross at the 2021 Paisley Stadium as they gear up for their first season back in the Scottish Premiership after a three year absence.

According to STV, former PSG Director of Football Kluivert is to hold ‘face to face talks’ with the club this week.

The Saints have already spoken to Guti, who is currently a youth coach at Real Madrid, while former Porto and Blackburn forward McCarthy - who is currently head coach of Cape Town City - is also said to be interesting in holding talks with St Mirren.

St Mirren have also held talks with Tranmere boss Mickey Mellon, former Ross County boss Jim McIntyre, Coleraine’s Oran Kearney, Real Madrid star Guti, former Wigan manager Gary Caldwell and former Hibs head coach Alan Stubbs, while former Hearts boss Robbie Neilson also held talks but revealed he is not interested in the post.

Ross was named Scottish Manager of the Year after his exploits at St Mirren and he will be a tough act to follow for whoever succeeds him.