Sunderland have reportedly denied holding talks with Bernd Schuster about the vacant managerial position at the Stadium of Light.

It was claimed that the former Real Madrid coach has already spoken to the Black Cats about the job, but a club representative has now told Sky Sports News that the rumours are false.

Schuster stepped down as Malaga manager last year following stints in charge of Shakhtar Donetsk and Getafe, and has not worked in football since.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche is the bookmakers' favourite to take on the Sunderland hotseat, which was left vacant when Dick Advocaat announced his retirement.