COVENTRY CITY boss Mark Robins has ruled himself out of a move to become the next Sunderland manager after turning an approach down by committing his future to the Sky Blues.

The Coventry boss has signed a new contract at the club just a day after being approached by Sunderland, who are have contacted a number of candidates already as they look to draw up a shortlist.

Robins, 49, is in his second spell as Coventry manager and led them to the EFL Trophy and promotion to League One via the play-offs a season later. Sunderland signed Jordan Willis and Lee Burge from City in the summer after becoming free agents.

Coventry are sit above Sunderland in fifth place in League One, seven points off the top, and a point better off than the side Jack Ross has left behind after his sacking on Tuesday.

"On the back of the approach from Sunderland, the club reacted really quickly with a new contract offer and I am grateful to them for that," Robins told the club website of his talks with chief executive Dave Boddy.

"I had no intention of leaving - when I spoke to Dave, I was unequivocal in my desire to stay. We agreed it all within 24 hours and I'm delighted to accept the new contract.

"Our immediate aim is to get into the Championship, and to come back to Coventry as soon as possible for our supporters."

Sunderland are working on a number of candidates and it has emerged that it will not require much of a compensation fee to prise Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth, who has a contract until 2023, away from Adams Park.

That places him in a strong position having guided Wycombe up to second in the table after sustained success for the relatively small club during his time in charge. Barnsley’s Daniel Stendel and Wigan boss Paul Cook are also under serious consideration.