Former Wolves and Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert linked with Sunderland
Former Wolves and Villa boss Paul Lambert could be offered a swift return to football by managerless Sunderland.
The 47-year-old, who left Wolves less than a fortnight ago, has emerged as a contender to replace David Moyes at the Stadium of Light after his fellow Scot resigned following relegation to the Championship.
Lambert is reportedly one of several candidates being shortlisted by Sunderland owner Ellis Short.
Former Albion captain and current Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes is also in the running, as is former Baggies assistant Nigel Pearson and Preston North End’s Simon Grayson.
Lambert’s departure from Wolves was finally announced on May 30, although his exit became public long before that.
If Lambert does land the Sunderland job, he will not have former Villa and Albion defender Joleon Lescott in his ranks.
The 34-year-old, who signed a short-term contract with the Black Cats in January, has been released by the club.
Lescott, who started the season at AEK Athens in Greece before his contract was mutually terminated in November, only made two appearances for Sunderland. His only start came on the final day of the season in a 5-1 defeat to champions Chelsea.
