'No approach' from Sunderland for Chris Wilder as Sheffield United boss remains favourite for job

Wilder is one of the leading contenders to replace Chris Coleman in the dugout at the Stadium of Light, with Stewart Donald's consortium just waiting for EFL approval before their takeover can be completed.

Wilder is highly-regarded in football circles having won two consecutive promotions with Northampton and the Blades, just missing out on the Championship play-offs with the latter this season.

When asked if he will be the next Sunderland AFC boss, Wilder today told reporters: "I don’t know what lies ahead."

He didn't rule it in or out and confirmed he is yet to have "any dialogue" with Sheffield United's co-owners following his comments about the club's boardroom battle last weekend.

Wilder has grown frustrated by the ownership issues going on at the Blades, admitting difficulties between co-owners HRH Prince Abdullah binMusa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Kevin McCabe are threatening to make his position untenable.

Prince Abdullah, who acquired a 50 per cent stake in United five years ago, has launched a takeover attempt and the issue shows no sign of being resolved soon.

Wilder and Michael Appleton are among the frontrunners to replace Coleman.