Things are looking desperate for Regis Le Bris at Sunderland after their winless league run extended to seven games. The Black Cats' boss should still have some goodwill based on his results last season, leading the team into Europe at the end of their first campaign back in the Premier League. There have also been some promising results in cup competitions this season. Sunderland are into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup after victories over Hull and Brentford, while they have seven points from three Europa League outings. In the league, though, their misery was compounded by a 3-1 defeat away to fellow strugglers Coventry City on Saturday afternoon, leaving them rooted at the bottom of the table.

First-half goals from Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and Taiwo Awoniyi put Frank Lampard's team in control early on before Jack Rudoni added a deflected third early in the second half.

Enzo Le Fee pulled a goal back from the penalty spot but it was too little, too late, and Omar Alderete was sent off in the closing stages of the match. While some may claim that it would be harsh to get rid of a boss who is a victim of his own success, Premier League football is a ruthless business. Still, Express Sport have looked at some of the men Sunderland may turn to if they do decide a change is needed.

Thomas Frank

It can be tempting to look at Frank's struggles at Tottenham and rule him out. However, he is far from the only manager to thrive elsewhere and struggle in north London.

The case for appointing Frank is based on what he did well at Brentford. The set-up he had while in charge of the Bees feels like something that could translate to the Stadium of Light.

Sean Dyche

Dyche has, for some time, been who Premier League teams have turned to when they need a firefighter. The general argument is that he's not necessarily someone to hold down the job long term but can produce a quick change in results.

The case against the former Everton and Burnley boss comes down to what happened last season. His Nottingham Forest spell was far from convincing, so much so that he was gone after just 25 games in all competitions.

Vitor Pereira

It was Pereira who replaced Dyche at the City Ground and he led them to safety. He also did that while balancing league and European commitments and this is something Sunderland might have in mind.

The Portuguese coach also made a positive impact at a struggling Wolves side, saving them from relegation. Part of his impact there came from the way he endeared himself to fans, and there's an argument that he can become a positive influence.

Kieran McKenna

Former Ipswich boss McKenna was linked with a number of top jobs during his time at Portman Road. He's now without a club, though, having stepped away after leading the Tractor Boys to another promotion.

McKenna's second-tier calibre is well-known, even if he has limited top-flight experience. The bigger question may concern whether he's ready to step back into management.

Davide Ancelotti

A bit of a wildcard here, but Le Bris wasn't someone that many English clubs were linked with before his move to Wearside. It wouldn't be the first time Ancelotti has been linked with a Premier League move, either, with Everton previously trying and failing to bring him to the club where his father Carlo was once in charge.

The Italian has been thriving in Ligue 1 with Lille since taking over in the summer. He might not want to move so soon, but the prospect of a Premier League job could yet appeal.

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