Sunderland, who narrowly escaped relegation last season, have so far failed to bring in any new signings, with a deal for Newcastle full-back Davide Santon collapsing last week.

They have also been tracking West Ham striker Diafra Sakho throughout the summer but Sakho is understood to be waiting to find out if Allardyce stays or quits to lead England before making a final decision.

Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce could be the next England manager

Sunderland had been hoping to finalise a deal for Rubin Kazan midfielder Yann M'Vila by now with the midfielder enjoying a successful season on loan last term but talks have stalled and Everton are now keen on the Frenchman.

Allardyce is the firm favourite to succeed Roy Hodgson with his old West Ham chairman David Gold becoming the latest figure to back him for the job.

"I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him," said Gold, who chose not to renew Allardyce's contract when manager of West Ham and replaced him with Slaven Bilic.

"He is determined, he is ambitious. He has been in the business a long time. The most important thing from my point of view is that he's English."

United States manager Jurgen Klinsmann and Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe also figure prominently in the list of potential candidates said to have been drawn up by the FA's technical director Dan Ashworth, chief executive Martin Glenn and vice-chairman David Gill.

Allardyce was interviewed for the same job a little more than 10 years ago, only for Steve McClaren to be appointed, although he has enhanced his reputation since.