CHRIS COLEMAN has emerged as surprise new favourite in the bookmakers' markets to take over as Sunderland manager.

The current Wales boss was available at around 25-1 with most firms this morning, but is now an odds-on favourite in most places.

Sky Bet have Coleman as short as 1-6 in their new market for Sunderland's next manager, suggesting there has been considerable support in the last few hours.

Coleman is due to meet officials at the Welsh FA tomorrow to discuss his future in the wake of Wales' failure to qualify for next summer's World Cup finals.

The FAW are keen to retain Coleman's services, but the former Fulham boss has been seeking a range of guarantees before committing himself to remaining in his current position for the next round of European qualifiers.

Coleman is understood to be seeking new full-time deals for Ryland Morgans, Wales' head of performance, and Ian Mitchell, the team's psychologist, as well as investment in youth development.

Coleman, who has previously expressed an interest in returning to club management, has also been linked with a possible role at Rangers.