Sam Allardyce ‘in frame for Sunderland return’ if takeover goes through

Former England manager Sam Allardyce could be in for a shock return to Sunderland, less than six months after leaving the Stadium of Light.

The 62-year-old famously lasted just 67 days at the helm of the national team after what the FA deemed 'a significant error of judgement', when a Telegraph investigation allegedly showed him telling undercover reporters that rules over third-party ownership could be bypassed. He has been out of work since then, and many suspected his next job would be overseas. But rumours have grown of a potential Sunderland takeover, and there are suggestions that the prospective owners are keen to reappoint the man who saved the Black Cats from relegation last season.

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According to The Sun, the Chinese consortium interested in taking charge of the club has earmarked Big Sam as a replacement for current incumbent David Moyes. Moyes' team are currently bottom of the Premier League with two points from eight games, with their only victories under the Scotsman coming against Shrewsbury Town and Queens Park Rangers in the EFL cup. Allardyce took over from Dick Advocaat last season after the club had picked up three points from their opening eight Premier League fixtures, and picked up 36 points from 30 games to ensure a 17th-place finish.