Sunderland look to Curbishley

Sunderland are ready to ask Alan Curbishley to become their emergency new manager – once he settles his dispute with West Ham this week.

The Black Cats are poised to pounce after Ricky Sbragia’s bad run of results left them on the brink of the drop.

But the timing is delicate as Curbs faces a court hearing on Friday to sort out his claim for constructive dismissal by West Ham, with a £1million-plus pay-off on the line.

He has turned down all other approaches so far, but Sunderland would like a quick answer. However, the date of the hearing means that Sbragia should still be in charge against struggling Hull on Saturday.

Curbishley pulled off a miracle escape for West Ham two seasons ago and his experience is what appeals to The Black Cats.

They will offer him a huge bonus for saving them from the disaster of relegation.

By Alan Nixon