A major update has emerged on Sunderland's search for their new head coach... 

What's the talk?

Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards has revealed that they are closing in on Lee Johnson's replacement and should have them in place before their next League One match.

He Tweeted: "Oh, sorry no questions on Sunderland in the end. So, anyway, an appointment is edging closer at #safc and I’d expect it before the weekend."

Edwards followed that up with: "I am anticipating a breakthrough/decision/announcement on Roy Keane being appointed #safc manager before the weekend. I think it’s close but until it’s done it’s not done etc. New manager wanted for next game that’s for sure."

Buzzing

Sunderland fans will surely be buzzing with this update as it suggests that their nightmare is set to come to an end in the next few days. The period between Johnson's sacking and the present has been a dreadful time for supporters on and off the pitch.

In terms of what has been happening behind the scenes, the Stadium of Light faithful have had to deal with slow progress on the search for a new manager. It has been more than a week since the ex-Bristol City coach was given his marching orders and the lack of speed in replacement may suggest to the fans that the club did not adequately prepare for the situation.

It has also been a frustrating time on the pitch. Mike Dodds has led the team for two matches on an interim basis and suffered back-to-back 2-1 defeats to Doncaster and Cheltenham. They are both in the bottom half of the League One table and their respective victories have left Sunderland fourth and nine points off Rotherham at the top of the division.

Therefore, supporters will be elated to put this period behind them by potentially welcoming Keane in and looking forward to his era at the club. Bringing in a head coach before their clash with AFC Wimbledon at the weekend will surely give fans fresh belief after a testing spell in recent weeks, giving them something to cheer about as they will finally have a reason to be positive.

It is now imperative that Kristjaan Speakman is able to get this deal over the line before Saturday as he could risk the relationship with the supporters reaching boiling point if Dodds is in charge and the Black Cats are beaten for a third match in a row.

AND in other news, "Advanced discussions": Craig Hope issues big SAFC manager claim that'll delight fans...