Stade de Reims boss Will Still 'ready to pack his bags' to join Sunderland

It appears that Sunderland have identified their top target for the head coach position - and he wants the move too.

Stade de Reims boss Will Still is ‘very interested’ in becoming the new Sunderland head coach, according to the usually ultra-reliable L’Equipe.

Sunderland sacked Tony Mowbray eight days ago after a poor run of results, although things have picked up dramatically since then.

With Mike Dodds in temporary charge, the Black Cats have beaten fellow Championship play-off chasers West Brom and Leeds.

• READ NEXT: 'You don't realise how big Sunderland are until you play for those fans,' says Jobe Bellingham

That will not be enough to secure Dodds the job on a permanent basis, though, and Still has reportedly already spoken to Sunderland about taking the helm.

Those talks have apparently gone very well, with Still worrying he has taken Stade de Reims as far as he can with their limited budget. He is also concerned about January given they will lose a number of players to the Africa Cup of Nations and Asia Games, leaving him keen to take the opportunity for a fresh start at Sunderland.

One stumbling block could well be the size of the compensation package it would take to complete the deal.

Still concerned about a lack of ambition at Reims. Feels that they could struggle during AFCON/Asian Nations Cup period and feels his reputation could take a hit as a result. Hence he's eager to take this chance.

— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) December 12, 2023

Still does have an exit clause in his deal but it does not come into effect until the summer, meaning the Ligue 1 club can demand a sizable financial package for the 31-year-old.

However, Still is reportedly immensely keen on the Sunderland job, with L’Equipe insisting he is “ready to pack his bags in the coming days.”

One man who won't be joining Sunderland is Kim Hellberg. The Swede had been linked with the job but he is set to join Hammarby instead.

---

READ MORE SUNDERLAND NEWS

• Sunderland keen to beat Championship rivals to Ghanaian defender, claims report
• Sunderland sign third Ukrainian as they lure Chelsea starlet
• The stats that show Sunderland may not be as creative as it seems
• Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham names two former Sunderland players as his heroes
• Jack Clarke latest: Contract situation will not dictate any January transfer decision