Keith Downie has now dropped some big Sunderland manager news involving both Alex Neil and Roy Keane, revealing the former could be appointed before 3pm on Saturday.
The Lowdown: Keane off
As per Sky Sports reporter Downie, talks with Roy Keane over the vacancy have recently broke down, meaning that their search to bring someone in before the AFC Wimbledon game continues.
The Daily Mail's Craig Hope has revealed as many as six different candidates for the role, including Neil, and it appears the board has now narrowed it down to just one before the match goes ahead on Saturday afternoon.
The Latest: Neil closing in
Taking to Twitter, Downie revealed that Neil is in 'advanced talks' with the Stadium of Light faithful over the vacancy, adding that club chiefs want it all wrapped up by Saturday's kick-off, just under 45 hours from now:
"Alex Neil is in advanced talks with Sunderland over their managerial vacancy, I understand.
"Talks with Roy Keane have broken down in the last 24 hours. SAFC want a new boss in charge before Saturday’s match against Wimbledon."
Later on Thursday, the Sky Sports reporter confirmed: "An agreement is now in place with Alex Neil to take over at Sunderland."
The Verdict: Get him in
With no time to waste, the board must get any additional terms sorted and get Neil in as soon as possible.
The Scotsman certainly has the credentials given his past achievements - he guided Norwich City up to the Premier League, and achieved two top-10 finishes in the Championship with a relatively low-budget Preston North End squad (Transfermarkt).
Journalist and Preston commentator Jack Goodwin believes that landing Neil would be a 'huge coup' for the League One outfit, and he seemingly would be a popular choice amongst the Black Cats support.
Nonetheless, the Wearside club should look no further and get this over the line tonight, and thus give him enough time to prepare his team for their next crucial fixture.
In other news, find out who else is still 'in the frame' for the SAFC job here!