In a statement released this afternoon, Preston North End confirmed that they have allowed Sunderland permission to speak with manager Simon Grayson.
Sunderland have been without a manager since David Moyes departed last month following the club's relegation from the Premier League.
Grayson, who asked that he be allowed to discuss a move to Sunderland, has been manager of Preston since February 2013.
Preston North End have today been contacted by Sunderland Football Club to ask permission to speak to Simon Grayson in relation to their vacant managerial position.
Having spoken to Simon, he has asked permission to speak to the Black Cats and therefore the club had no option but to allow these conversations to take place, with a compensation package already guaranteed in his contract.
Whilst these talks are ongoing, Steve Thompson will be in charge of first team affairs.
The club will make no further comment at this stage.
Since joining the club, Grayson has done a superb job at Preston, gaining promotion to the Championship in his second season and then taking them to two mid-table finishes in English football's second tier despite scant resources in comparison to other sides.
Irish football has been a deep well for Grayson during his time at the club. Irish internationals Alan Browne, Greg Cunningham, Andy Boyle and Daryl Horgan all arrived at the club during his time. In addition, Seanie Maguire is due to move there later this summer and another Cork player, Kevin O'Connor, is rumoured to also be joining the club.
Grayson moving to Sunderland could mean the north east of England once again becoming a home for Irish footballers in England.
