Sunderland are understood to be close to appointing former Brighton manager Gus Poyet as the permanent successor to Paulo di Canio.

The Wearsiders are bottom of the Premier League with just a solitary point from their first seven games.

Di Canio was sacked after their defeat to West Brom two weeks ago and since then Kevin Ball has been in charge for defeats to Liverpool and Manchester United.

Poyet's arrival is expected to be confirmed in the next 24 hours. Poyet had emerged as the favourite two weeks, although he is believed to have had doubts about taking on the role.