Sources: Sunderland considering brutal Tony Mowbray sack, as three replacements emerge

Sunderland are considering the future of manager Tony Mowbray despite their push for promotion to the Premier League, and TEAMtalk have learned of three potential successors who are being eyed.

The 59-year-old has earned rave reviews for guiding Sunderland into the play-offs in his first season at the helm.

The Black Cats finished sixth to secure the final play-off spot at the expense of Mowbray’s former club Blackburn Rovers on goal difference.

Luton Town are up first in the semi-finals, with the winner of the tie between Middlesbrough and Coventry City potentially awaiting at Wembley.

Many believe that Mowbray has performed miracles at the Stadium of Light, though it is understood the club’s hierarchy are ready to take Sunderland in another direction this summer. That’s despite Mowbray’s two-year contract having another 12 months left to run.

TEAMtalk has learned Sunderland have already been scouring the European market for a potential successor to Mowbray.

We’ve learned of three candidates Sunderland are exploring, with RB Salzburg’s highly-regarded Matthias Jaissle the first.

The 35-year-old German is one of the fastest rising head coaches in European football having guided Salzburg to the Austrian league and cup double last season. A second Austrian Bundesliga title is on the cards this season too.

Elsewhere, 34-year-old Italian Francesco Farioli is also in their sights. Farioli was most recently in charge at Turkish side Alanyaspor.

The final candidate Sunderland are casting their eye on is former Barnsley boss Gerhard Struber.

The Austrian, 46, parted company with MLS outfit New York Red Bulls last week.

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