Sunderland to resume O'Neill talks

Sunderland chairman Ellis Short was on Friday hoping to thrash out a deal to make Martin O'Neill the club's new manager.

Press Association Sport understands Short held talks with the former Wycombe, Norwich, Leicester, Celtic and Aston Villa boss on Thursday night, and will resume negotiations on Friday with a view to making a swift appointment. However, sources on Wearside have insisted a deal is yet to be struck.

The Black Cats turned to fans' favourite O'Neill as their number one candidate in the wake of Steve Bruce's departure on Wednesday evening.

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