Sunderland have to appoint a new permanent manager next season after having sacking Michael Beale in February, two months after his arrival at the Stadium of Light.
Prior to Beale’s arrival, the Black Cats looked at a few candidates, including IF Elfsborg manager Jimmy Thelin.
Friday’s edition of Göteborgs-Posten talks about the Sunderland links and the Swedish club’s stance on letting the coach leave.
In December, Aftonbladet stated the 46-year-old had a meeting with the English club’s board, after he was also linked with Swansea City.
A month later, the Swede signed a new contract until 2026 at Elfsborg. Recent claims in Scotland have said Aberdeen are looking to appoint him as their manager.
According to GP, Thelin has informed his club that he’s not interested in leaving Elfsborg as of now.
Meanwhile, Elfsborg director Stefan Andreasson has confirmed the manager continues to attract interest from elsewhere.
“There is interest and alternatives for him, but we have concluded in our dialogues that he should continue with Elfsborg. Then we will see what the future shows, we are proud that he is a sought-after name,” he told GP.
Despite signing a new deal, the director has left the door open for interested clubs to take Thelin away from Elfsborg.
“In the best of worlds, it’s like with players, that you buy out the coach. But when the right option is available for Jimmy, we will find a solution,” Andreasson explained.
Andreasson’s comments could come as encouragement for Sunderland, as long as they have plans to return for Thelin in the summer.
