Sunderland are close to appointing their new manager.
The Black Cats have been searching for a new boss since David Moyes resigned a few weeks ago.
They have been given permission by Aberdeen to speak to Derek McInnes. McInnes led Aberdeen to a second place in the Scottish Premiership as well as to the Scottish cup final.
They have reluctantly allowed the Scot to speak with the Championship club after agreeing compensation of around £1million.
A club statement read:
“The club can confirm that early this afternoon Sunderland agreed to meet all the contractual obligations for both Derek McInnes and [assistant] Tony Docherty and they have, reluctantly, been granted permission to speak with both of them about the vacant managerial position at Sunderland.
“Aberdeen will be making no further comment.”
McInnes himself is thought to have been offered the chance to treble his £300,000-a-year wages.
It is thought that he will be announced as the new boss within 24 hours.