Roy Keane has hinted he could become Sunderland manager again and suggested the next few days will determine whether he returns to the Sky Bet League One club.
The former Republic of Ireland and Manchester United captain has been linked with returning to the club he managed between 2006 and 2008 and led into the Premier League.
Asked about speculation surrounding a return, Keane told ITV: "I've made it clear over the last few years I'd like to go back as a manager.
"But, of course, a club has to want you, you have to want to go to that club. Just as important the contract has got to be right. We'll see how things take shape over the next few days."
The Corkman emerged as a surprise candidate to take over at the Stadium of Light after the dismissal of Lee Johnson following a 6-0 loss at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday. The Black Cats remain third in League One and in contention for promotion.
Mike Dodds has been placed in interim charge for this weekend's home clash with bottom-of-the-table Doncaster amid speculation linking Keane, Neil Warnock, Jonathan Woodgate and Neil Lennon to the vacancy.
It is understood that Keane is at the top of Sunderland's list.
Keane, then 35, was initially appointed Black Cats boss in August 2006 with the club lying one place off the foot of the Championship table.
He guided them to the title as champions by the end of the campaign and Sunderland finished 15th in the Premier League in their first season back.
But as his relationship with owner Ellis Short deteriorated he resigned in December 2008 after 27 eventful months at the helm. Keane has since managed Ipswich.
Since then the 50-year-old has enjoyed positions with Ireland and Nottingham Forest as assistant manager to Martin O'Neill which included qualification for Euro 2016 as part of the Boys In Green set-up between 2013 and 2018. He quit as Aston Villa No 2 after just four months in 2014, citing a need to concentrate on his international role.
Keane has been a regular pundit on Sky Sports and last year indicated that if he were to sign another deal with the broadcaster, a return to club management would be unlikely.
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