KYRIL Louis-Dreyfus has broken his silence on Sunderland's head coach search, with the Black Cats hoping to appoint a new boss "imminently".

It's 109 days since Michael Beale was sacked and the club's chairman says Sunderland are now entering the "final stages of the recruitment process".

It's the first time Louis-Dreyfus has spoken publicly since the search for a new head coach got underway.

He's thanked the supporters for their patience and support and says Sunderland remain focused on making sure they appoint the "right candidate".

"We hope to appoint the next head coach of our great club imminently, as we enter the final stages of the recruitment process," said Louis-Dreyfus in a Sunderland statement.

"We appreciate the patience and support that we've received from you throughout the summer and our aim has always been to ensure that the right candidate is appointed. That outcome remains our focus.

"On and off the field, we have learnt from last season when we fell short of all our expectations. We are hungry and ambitious for success and determined to ensure we all enjoy a great 2024-25 season together."

Louis-Dreyfus's update comes after a week of twists, with Sunderland missing out on lead candidate Will Still when he was last week ruled out of contention just days after indicating to club bosses he was set to take the job. He's now set to be appointed as new boss of French top tier club Lens.

Pascal Jansen is the current favourite with the bookmakers and is understood to be in contention. There has been contact between Sunderland and the former AZ boss, but he's not the only head coach in the running to take charge.

Liam Rosenior remains out of work after his surprise Hull City exit earlier this summer.

Two managers who aren't in contention, despite reports linking them with the vacancy earlier this week, are Dave Challinor and Stephen Robinson. The Stockport and St Mirren bosses haven't been on Sunderland's radar at any stage during the recruitment process.