James Hunter has now dropped a claim on Sunderland's ongoing hunt for a new manager.

The Lowdown: Keane in?

The Daily Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards revealed earlier on Wednesday that Roy Keane is expected to be appointed as the new coach at the Stadium of Light 'before the weekend', with a deal now 'close' for his return.

However, while nothing has been finalised, other candidates will still be in the frame for the job, with previous updates revealing that Keane is closely followed by Grant McCann as the second main contender.

The Latest: Update soon?

Taking to Twitter, The Chronicle journalist Hunter has now claimed that there must be an appointment, or at least a 'meaningful update', from the board in their manager search 'in the next 24hrs':

"Surely there has to be a head coach appointment - or at least a meaningful update from the powers that be - over the next 24hrs.

"This situation cannot be allowed to continue going into a third game."

The Verdict: Get someone in now!

With the Black Cats facing what now looks to be a crucial game away at AFC Wimbledon at the weekend in terms of their hopes for promotion, the board must get someone in now, whether that would be Keane or another candidate.

While it is harsh given how he was thrust in the deep end following Lee Johnson's exit, Mike Dodds has struggled in both of the matches that he has now been in charge, losing to both Doncaster Rovers and Cheltenham Town.

He was criticised for his lack of quick thinking to make necessary changes against Doncaster, and of course blew a 1-0 lead against Cheltenham on Tuesday night.

Nonetheless, the Black Cats simply cannot let this continue past the weekend, and so a new boss needs to be brought in fast.

In other news, find out who SAFC's three worst players were against Cheltenham here!