DICK ADVOCAAT has rubbished claims that Phillip Cocu has been lined up as his successor at Sunderland.

The PSV Eindhoven coach’s odds to become the next Black Cats head coach have fallen in recent days after suggestions on both sides of the North Sea suggested he was on the radar of sporting director Lee Congerton.

But Advocaat, who has hinted that he could be willing to manage Belgium rather than in club football if the position was offered, has dismissed the Cocu claims.

He said: “Sunderland have not contacted Phillip Cocu.”

Despite leaving turning down the chance to stay at Sunderland, Advocaat is advising Congerton and owner Ellis Short in the club’s search of a new boss. He also played down suggestions that former Stuttgart boss Armin Veh was being targeted by Short.