Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce is reportedly considering making Paul Bracewell his deputy on a full-time basis.

The coach stepped up from the club's youth team setup on an interim basis following the retirement of Bert van Lingen over the summer.

Allardyce is now considering offering him the role permanently after failing to convince Southend United manager Phil Brown to join him in the North-East, reports The Chronicle.

Bracewell joined Allardyce in the dugout for last weekend's 1-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion, and is expected to be announced as assistant manager before the weekend.