Sky Sports journalist and North East reporter Keith Downie has now revealed an 'internal' update from Sunderland involving Alex Neil and Stoke City.

The Lowdown: Stoke bombshell

Downie reported this morning that Neil has been given permission to speak to Stoke over their vacant managerial position, following the sacking of Michael O’Neill.

"Understand Sunderland boss Alex Neil has been given permission to speak to Stoke over their vacant managerial position."

Neil's press conference ahead of their game at home to Norwich City in the Championship at Saturday lunchtime has been delayed from this morning, and the Scotsman was surely set to be asked to address his future amid links to the Potters.

The Latest: 'Internal' talks

Following on from his update, Downie also revealed that 'internal' talks are taking place at the Stadium of Light on the basis that the Wearside club would like to keep Neil:

"I’m told Sunderland are hoping they can keep Neil and internal conversations are taking place on those grounds."

Downie also added that Neil is not the only manager that Stoke are considering to replace O'Neill at this moment in time:

"Expecting talks to take place between Neil & Stoke today. Terrible timing for Sunderland on the eve of the visit of Norwich. However I’m told Neil isn’t the only manager Stoke are considering."

However, the reporter then revealed the most worrying update yet.

"Update: I’m told Alex Neil is in a car travelling to Stoke for talks as I type. Can’t see his 2pm Sunderland press conference taking place. This doesn’t look good."

The Verdict: Pull out all the stops

It is certainly promising to hear of the Black Cats' behind-scenes attempts to keep Neil at the club, while Stoke are also considering other managerial candidates, but Downie's latest comment is a concern.

Boasting a rate of 1.88 points-per-match (PPM) at SAFC, the highest average he has achieved of any club he has managed bar a caretaker role at Hamilton, the 41-year-old led the club to promotion from League One last season, and upon their return to the Championship, he has gotten off to a great start with two wins and two draws in their first five league games (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, to lose Neil to one of their Championship rivals would be devastating for Sunderland, and so they should be looking to keep hold of him at all costs.