A NUMBER of leading bookmakers have stopped taking bets on Gus Poyet becoming Sunderland's next manager, reinforcing the impression that the Uruguayan is now an extremely strong favourite to succeed Phil Parkinson at the Stadium of Light.

Poyet was installed as the favourite to take over from Parkinson on Sunday evening, but while his price held reasonably steady for more than 24 hours, it collapsed this morning.

Bookmakers' markets are not always the most reliable indicators of managerial appointments, but a move of this magnitude is significant.

The Northern Echo reported that Poyet was at the top of Sunderland's wanted list on Monday morning, and while the candidatures of Paul Cook, Danny Cowley and Nigel Pearson have been considered in the last 24 hours, the South American remains the Black Cats' number one choice.

Poyet led Sunderland to the League Cup final during his first spell on Wearside, and confirmed his desire to return to the club earlier this month.

He is a close associate of Uruguayan businessman Juan Sartori, who is close to completing a deal that will see him installed as Sunderland's majority shareholder along with business partner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.

Poyet's appointment would be part of a major off-field overhaul that would also see Sartori and Louis-Dreyfus appoint a director of football to oversee all strategic decision-making.

Sunderland host Burton Albion in League One tonight, with first-team coach Andrew Taylor in temporary charge.