Sunderland sporting director Lee Congerton is reportedly refusing to rush the appointment of a new coach after failing to convince Dick Advocaat to sign a long-term deal.
The Dutchman decided against putting pen to paper on a permanent contract, despite guiding the Black Cats to Premier League survival.
Recently-sacked Steve McClaren, Burnley boss Sean Dyche and PSV Eindhoven's Philip Cocu have all been linked to the vacancy, but reports have claimed that the Sunderland hierarchy may not make an appointment until the end of June.
According to the Chronicle, Congerton has told candidates that he will conduct a thorough process and intends to interview a handful of coaches throughout Europe in the next few weeks.
Former Everton and Manchester United manager David Moyes, who is currently in charge of La Liga side Real Sociedad, has reportedly turned down the chance to coach Sunderland.
