Regis Le Bris is battling to turn around Sunderland's fortunes following a poor start in the Premier League, but a potential replacement has been highlighted

Thomas Frank has been talked up as a potential replacement for Regis Le Bris, should Sunderland decide to part ways with their manager. The French coach has come under pressure with the Black Cats sitting bottom of the Premier League.

Sunderland are set to keep faith with the 50-year-old who guided them into the division for the moment, however. Defeat against Coventry consigned the club to just five points from their opening nine matches, having tasted victory just once so far this term.

There has been greater success in Sunderland's European campaign, with wins over AZ Alkmaar and Torreense, after Le Bris guided the team to seventh place last term. It appears that has helped the club's hierarchy remain convinced of their coach's credentials.

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The club believe that Le Bris can turn around their fortunes and that stability will prove more beneficial than an overhaul. Le Bris remains central to Sunderland's plans moving forward, despite questions over his tactics and team selections from some corners.

However, if Sunderland's stance were to change, former chief scout Mick Brown reckons that the ideal option is available. Brown believes that former Tottenham and Brentford boss Thomas Frank would be keen to head to the Stadium of Light.

“If Sunderland do make a change then the next question is about where they're going to look,” Brown told Football Insider.

“It's not as simple as just saying 'yeah, let's change the manager', because you have to be sure that whoever comes in next is going to make the positive difference that you want.

“There's no point making a change of manager, and then you're still struggling on the pitch, and that's a risk every club has to take.

“Thomas Frank, for example, is somebody who is available, and I'm sure will be very much on Sunderland's radar if they do decide to make a change. He's out of work at the moment and looking to get back into the job by all accounts, so I'm sure taking over at Sunderland would be something that appeals to him.

“I'd have my doubts after his time at Tottenham, but he is still held in very high regard for what he did at Brentford, and that will be the case at Sunderland I'm sure.

“But there are other managers who they could target as well if they do decide to make a change, so it depends where he ranks on their list.

“For now, it seems like they want to stick with Le Bris, because are any of the options available going to do a better job than him? It would be difficult, that's for sure.”