Roy Keane REJECTS the chance return to Sunderland as manager

Roy Keane has turned down an offer to return as manager of Sunderland.

The 50-year-old was first interviewed for the position on Friday before follow-up talks on Tuesday.

Sunderland’s hierarchy then offered Keane the role but he has decided against a return to the Stadium of Light, 15 years after leading the club to the Championship title.

Keane had been Sunderland’s main target but turned the role down over contractual issues

Sources have suggested that contractual issues played a part in the collapse of the deal, which had seemed likely to happen over the weekend.

It means attention will now turn to other candidates, including Grant McCann and Alex Neil. Second interviews have been taking place this week.

Sportsmail revealed last Wednesday that Keane topped the club’s shortlist and would be interviewed. That led to a groundswell of support for the Irishman among the club’s fanbase, who had bought into the idea of him reigniting their promotion push.

The Irishman led Sunderland to the Championship title back in the 2006-07 season

Sunderland were hoping to wrap up Keane’s appointment after a poor run of League One form

Sunderland have lost twice since sacking Lee Johnson, slipping to fourth in the League One table. Other applicants who have been spoken to include Neil Lennon, Sabri Lamouchi, Jody Morris and Enzo Maresca.

The club had hoped to get the appointment over the line in time for Saturday’s clash against AFC Wimbledon, with many supporters backing his return. 

Owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman were under pressure to thrash out the deal in the wake of back-to-back defeats that have put a dent in the team promotion bid – leading to the sacking of Johnson.

Sunderland gave Keane his first ever stint in management in 2006, taking charge of 100 games as he won them promotion to the Premier League in 2007-08 – before resigning in 2008 over differences with owner Ellis Short.

Keane later joined Ipswich Town for a two year spell, before acting as assistant manager with the Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa and old side Nottingham Forest.   

Lee Johnson was sacked by Sunderland over their poor results as they seek promotion 

Keane’s former team-mate Rio Ferdinand had been backing the ‘character’ to take the job   

Keane’s former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand had led the calls for the legendary midfielder to take charge at Sunderland, calling him ‘a character’. 

‘I’d just love to see him in it. I’d love to see him in there and have another go at it,’ Ferdinand said on his Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE YouTube channel.

‘I love watching him, he’s very tongue in cheek, he plays a role in the studio now which is good. But I’d like to see that character in and around the training ground and in press conferences before and after game to see how he reacts again.

‘I think he’s always wanted to get back into coaching and managing. This has been a little hobby for him until an opportunity comes.

‘I really hope he does [become Sunderland manager] and he did alright there. He won the Championship in 2006-2007 and he’s somebody that has the charisma, the profile and it’s about proving that he’s got the got the ability now.’