HIGHLIGHT: This summer, Sunderland may recruit a “fantastic” coach, provided certain conditions are met.

According to other reports, Steve Cooper and Sunderland share a mutual appreciation. Additionally, there have been rumors recently suggesting that the Stadium of Light is considering hiring an unidentified Belgian coach.

In more recent times, Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl has been connected to Sunderland.

Danny Rohl addresses rumors about Sunderland
The 34-year-old Rohl addressed the media on Thursday, offering his assessment of the Sunderland rumors.

Rohl stated:

“What are your thoughts? I’m glad to report that I’m at Sheffield Wednesday right now. I like the supporters and the club.

“I am aware of the strength of the relationship, and this is important to me as well. I’m surrounded by supportive people and I know what I want to accomplish here. I am aware of the steps we need to take in the summer to advance. Other things exist.

Rohl, who pundit Carlton Palmer says has done a ‘fantastic’ job at Wednesday, is currently under contract at Hillsborough until the end of next season.

Speakman recently revealed that Sunderland could be ready to pay out a compensation fee for their next boss, which would also be the case with Still.

And whilst Rohl’s comments suggest that he has no intentions of leaving Sheffield Wednesday, it feels quite strongly that relegation to League One would see him depart.

He’s proved himself to be a very worthy Championship coach so far, and what’s more is that Rohl’s comments hint at the Owls’ controversial owner Dejphon Chansiri making some changes to the club.

Chansiri has made a name for himself this season, though for all the wrong reasons; he previously pledged to stop putting money into the club and even if he does change his mind, finances appear to be very tight still.

So Rohl may not get the backing he wants or needs at Sheffield Wednesday and relegation could be the final straw for him.

Should that happen, Louis-Dreyfus and Speakman must be ready to swoop in for Rohl who could become easy pickings at Sheffield Wednesday.

With just a year left on his deal, and also bearing in mind this is his first job as a manager and he’s at a club where finances are tight, he could be a much cheaper alternative than someone like Still who could be managing a Europa League side in Reims come next season.