Frank Lampard became the latest name linked with the Sunderland head coach vacancy last week before being ruled out of the process as the search continues at the Stadium of Light.

Lampard, a former Derby County, Chelsea and Everton manager emerged as a surprise favourite with bookmakers on Friday following news of Sunderland's search hitting another potential bump in the road with Liam Rosenior keen to be considered for the Burnley job instead of a move to Wearside. 

Rosenior held talks with the Sunderland hierarchy but the club are determined to bring an end to their elongated process ahead of pre-season rather than wait any longer. But former England and Chelsea midfielder Lampard is not one of those candidates to have been in the frame. Lampard, another linked with the vacant Burnley role, has been out of work since his second spell at Stamford Bridge but it's believed he was never under consideration to take over at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland still holding live targets on their shortlist. 

That process is now hopefully drawing to a conclusion with the club now four months removed from Michael Beale's sacking in February. 

 

READ MORE: Key questions on Sunderland's silence, ambition and rigid head coach search 

 

Matty Hewitt and Joe Ramage share their verdict on the latest week of head coach developments and whether we can expect an appointment in the near future while also looking ahead to the summer transfer window and where Sunderland need to make their priority when it comes to strengthening their squad. 

Callum Styles, who is currently in Germany with the Hungarian national squad at Euro 2024, is another player Sunderland will need to make a decision on, with the club still holding an option on the 24-year-old to make his loan deal from Barnsley a permanent transfer. 

You can watch the latest We Are Sunderland briefing below or via our YouTube channel. 

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