Pascal Jansen out of the running to be Sunderland's new head coach

Jansen, who spent four years as the boss of Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, had been regarded as one of the front-runners to take over at the Stadium of Light.

The 51-year-old has held a series of discussions with senior Black Cats officials, who are keen to finally resolve their search for a permanent successor to Michael Beale, who was dismissed almost four months ago.

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Sunderland chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus released a statement on Friday afternoon in which he claimed an appointment was “imminent”, but sources have indicated that Jansen is no longer being considered for the position.

Instead, Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman are focusing their attention elsewhere.

Pascal Jansen has been ruled out of the running to be Sunderland's new head coach (Image: PA)

Bayern Munich Under-19s boss Rene Maric remains an option, although Bayern officials remain confident he will sign a contract with the Bundesliga club that will see him take on a new position as part of Vincent Kompany’s first-team coaching group.

QPR boss Marti Cifuentes has also been heavily linked with a possible move to Wearside in the last few days, and the 41-year-old is understood to have his supporters within the executive team at the Stadium of Light.

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Cifuentes made his name with Swedish side Hammersby before moving to Loftus Road to take over at QPR last October. He inherited a QPR side that was deep in trouble in the Championship relegation zone, but impressed as he inspired a recovery that eventually led to the London side finishing in 18th position, six points clear of the drop zone.

The 41-year-old Spaniard has also been linked with Burnley, who are searching for a new boss of their own following Kompany’s departure last month.

Liam Rosenior is another option for Sunderland, with the 39-year-old currently out of work following his dismissal from Hull City after the end of last season.

Rosenior spent just over a year-and-a-half in charge of the Tigers, and was widely seen to have done a good job. However, he was sacked after failing to secure a play-off place last season, with Hull chairman Acun Ilicali stating he had dismissed Rosenior because of ‘differences in footballing philosophy’.

Sunderland were linked with Dave Challinor and Stephen Robinson at the end of last week, but neither boss figures in the club’s thoughts.