Conflicting reports have emerged in France detailing what Sunderland must do to prise Will Still away from his position at Reims, as explained by Sport Witness.
It was revealed yesterday that the Championship outfit had opened talks with the 31-year-old, who emerged as a serious candidate to replace the outgoing Tony Mowbray in the immediate aftermath of his dismissal. According to The Guardian, owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has held positive meetings with the young coach, who in turn is considering a move to the Stadium of Light.
A deal looks to be complicated though, with Reims reluctant to allow their man to depart mid-season, especially with the club fighting for an unlikely European spot in Ligue 1. Still penned a new contract in the summer – which is set to run until 2025 – making a potential move from the Wearsiders a difficult one.
According to RMC Sport, Reims have accepted that they will lose the talented manager in the summer and there is a clause in his new deal which would allow him to leave with their blessing. It also states that Sunderland have other preferred targets and compensation would be payable should they launch a pursuit on Still now.
However, L’Equipe refute those claims, although do admit that the clause would require a lower amount at the end of the current campaign. The amount is not detailed, although it is said that it would require a considerable sum to tempt the French club into allowing the former Beerschot manager to move on to pastures new.
The North East giants are keen to reach a conclusion in their manager hunt, especially after winning their last two games in impressive fashion under the guidance of interim coach Mike Dodds. Back-to-back victories over two fellow promotion-chasing teams in West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United have seen Sunderland move back into the play-off spots.
https://twitter.com/SunderlandAFC/status/1734898711057068147
The 37-year-old is likely to remain in charge for this weekend’s trip to Bristol City, who have lost three of their last four Championship fixtures.
Writer’s View
It’s a confusing situation and one that seems to be constantly evolving following yesterday’s reports that the club and Still had already held initial discussions.
Whilst complicated, Sunderland will be keen to get this right and know that they are in safe hands with Dodds in temporary charge. The rapport he has got with the players means that time is on their side and last night’s fantastic win against Leeds United will have given them a massive boost. There is sure to be may twists in this tale yet.
Head of Writing
