Former Sunderland midfielder leading a consortium trying to buy Carlisle

The Scot replaced Paul Heckingbottom at Easter Road and will be looking guide Hibs away from the relegation zone having failed to guide Sunderland to the Championship.

And The Sun claims that Potter is top of Ross’ wish list – the Black Cats, however, are likely to demand compensation from the Scottish club.

In other news, fellow North East club Carlisle United are the subject of an approach involving local businessmen, Steve Skinner and former Sunderland player Chris Lumsdon, it has today emerged.

A Blues spokesman said: “As covered in the recent Carlisle United Supporters’ Groups [CUSG) meeting at the beginning of November, chief executive Nigel Clibbens confirmed that he had met with an investment broker, who was representing potentially interested parties, and that other directors have been contacted by two separate other parties, but no interest has progressed on any of them so far.

“He went on to describe it as ‘at best these were tentative enquiries’. There is nothing further to add at this stage.”

Elsewhere, former Newcastle United star and Notts County manager Kevin Nolan has been installed as the favourite to take over as manager of Sunderland’s League One rivals Grimsby Town.

Names such as Anthony Limbrick, ex-Sunderland coach Robbie Stockdale and former MK Dons boss Paul Tisdale are in the running, though Nolan has emerged as the 5/2 favourite on SkyBet.