The rumour mill has been in full swing recently, as the public wait to see who will replace Roy Hodgson as manager of England. 

Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce is now favourite with the bookmakers to take the vacant post, meaning he would have to leave his position at the North East club. If that is to happen, who should Sunderland hire as his replacement? 

David Moyes

Scotsman Moyes has been linked with a return back to the Premier League ever since he left Real Sociedad but has failed to find what he calls the 'right job'. There is no doubt the former Manchester United boss will be looking for a job in the top flight, which makes Sunderland an ideal location for him. 

Whilst at Everton, the 53-year-old ensured the club had a strong defence. Moyes knows how to organise and setup a defensive team, just as Allardyce did at times last season. The Merseyside outfit also had a fantastic record against the so-called 'top four' in the top flight. 

Forgetting his brief tenure in Manchester, Moyes has shown he has what it takes to manage at this level. The appointment would also be a popular one amongst fans, who have championed the manager to take over the club in the past.

Ryan Giggs

Giggs is finally branching out and flying the nest after 29 years at Manchester United. The former midfielder says he is ready to manage his own team after spending the last few seasons being Louis Van Gaal's assistant. 

It would certainly be a risk to appoint Giggs but after so many years in the game, it may turn out to be a shrewd appointment. All those years spent watching and learning from Sir Alex Ferguson may have worked wonders and the Welshman may have some fantastic tactics and ideas of his own.

Sunderland fans may be sceptical about appointing a manager with no first team experience, so if Giggs was to land the role, the club's hierarchy may receive some fan backlash.

Steve Bruce

Not only does Bruce have Premier League experience, he also knows about managing Sunderland. The Hull City manager left the Black Cats in 2011 after some poor results but he has since went on to become very popular at the Tigers

Some fans were disappointed when Bruce was dimissed by the club, as they felt it was unfair. Although, a section of the supporters voiced their discontent that Bruce is a Newcastle United fan.

Hull will be returning to the top flight this season, though multiple reports have claimed Bruce's job is not entirely secure. 

Could Bruce, a candidate in his own right for the England job, be tempted to return to the SOL? (photo: Getty)
Could Bruce, a candidate in his own right for the England job, be tempted to return to the SOL? (photo: Getty)

Andre Villas-Boas

One of the most intelligent footballing minds in the game at the moment. Villas-Boas would surely spark a new era at the Stadium of Light, if he was to get the job. 

His meticulous approach to the game may be the total opposite to that of Allardyce, but the appointment of the young manager may finally mean Sunderland stop the cycle of constant relegation battles. 

At his previous jobs in England, Villas-Boas has attempted to bleed youth into the first team, and with Sunderland's wealth of young talent in the under-21 team, it may be wise to appoint a coach that isn't afraid to give the young players a chance on the big stage. 

After recently leaving Zenit St Petersburg, the former Chelsea boss will be looking for a new job opportunity. He will certainly feel he has unfinished business in England.

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