DEREK McINNES has emerged as a leading contender for the managerial vacancy at Sunderland, with former Black Cat Stefan Schwarz having become the latest contender to confirm his interest in a move to the Stadium of Light.

Schwarz, who made 76 playing appearances for the Wearsiders, is keen to take over from David Moyes, who resigned on Monday, but McInnes is regarded as a much stronger candidate as chief executive Martin Bain begins to step up his search for a new boss.

Bain is canvassing the opinion of a number of trusted associates, with former Rangers boss Walter Smith understood to be championing McInnes’ cause.

A former midfielder with clubs including West Brom and Millwall, 45-year-old McInnes began his managerial career with St Johnstone before moving to Bristol City.

He guided the Robins to safety from a seemingly impossible position in the 2011-12 season, but left Ashton Gate the following January after his budget was dramatically reduced.

He has rebuilt his reputation with Aberdeen, and will lead his side into the Scottish FA Cup final this weekend, having already guided them to European qualification via a second-place finish in the SPL.

Smith publicly put him forward for the Rangers job earlier this season, and while the Ibrox hierarchy eventually appointed Pedro Caixinha instead, he is now believed to be highlighting McInnes’ credentials to Bain.

Bain and Smith became close friends when they worked together at Rangers, and while Ally McCoist and Alex McLeish have also been mentioned as possible candidates for Sunderland, McInnes is understood to be the focus of the pair’s attention north of the border.

Having guided Aberdeen to a runners-up spot behind Celtic, McInnes might well feel he has achieved everything he possibly can at Pittodrie, and Scottish sources claim he would be receptive to the idea of returning to England as he feels he has unfinished business in the Championship.

His sole focus will be on Aberdeen ahead of Saturday’s Cup final at Hampden Park, but once that has been concluded, he might well be willing to consider his options.

With Ellis Short happy to adopt a back-seat role, Bain has been charged with the task of recruiting Moyes’ successor. Nigel Pearson and Aitor Karanka remain viable contenders, with Slavisa Jokanovic and Simon Grayson also in the running thanks to their performances in the Championship this season.

Kevin Phillips confirmed his interest in a return to the Stadium of Light earlier this week, and Schwarz has become the latest former player to throw his hat into the ring.

The Swede holds a FIFA Pro Licence, and has worked as an assistant manager at Helsingborg as well as with the Sweden Under-21 squad.

“I spent four very good years at Sunderland, and it is a club I care very much for,” said Schwarz, who also represented Arsenal, Valencia, Benfica and Fiorentina during his playing days. “I have played for some very big clubs in Europe and won a lot of trophies, but my time at Sunderland is right up there with any of those.

“I think I understand the mentality of the Sunderland fans, and the culture of the area. Sunderland teams have to have an identity, and the players need to know their duties and responsibilities to each other.

“I also know how to work with players from many different cultures, which is important in the modern game. Of course if the chance came to manage Sunderland, I would be very interested.”