Former Inter Milan boss Walter Mazzarri turns down Sunderland job

Former Inter Milan manager Walter Mazzarri has turned down the chance to be Sunderland manager, according to Italian football site Calciomercato.

Mazzarri, 54, has been learning English in recent weeks in anticipation of a job in the UK, but the report indicates that he was 'unimpressed by Sunderland and their status in the Premier League'.

The former Empoli midfielder has been linked with the vacancy at Liverpool, but that opportunity now appears to be gone with Jurgen Klopp reportedly close to agreeing a deal.

Dick Advocaat resigned as Sunderland manager on Sunday, with Sam Allardyce the current favourite to take the position.