Sunderland make formal approach for Wycombe's Gareth Ainsworth | OneFootball

Sunderland have made a formal approach for Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth, with discussions set to take place in the next 24 hours.

Ainsworth, who has been with Wycombe since 2012, has quickly become Sunderland’s top candidate for the job and was granted permission to speak with the Black Cats.

Ainsworth led Wycombe to promotion from League Two last season and has the Wanderers in second place in League One through 12 games thus far.

Though Sunderland would have to pay Wycombe for his services, the Telegraph report that compensation would be ‘minimal’.

BBC Three Counties journalist also claims: “We believe [the] Wycombe board wouldn’t stand in his way after the job he’s done at Adams Park.”

The 46-year-old earned the League Two LMA Manager of the Year in 2015 when Wycombe lost the play-off final on penalties just one season after surviving relegation on goal difference alone.

Interestingly enough, after the international break, Sunderland’s next match takes place at home against Wycombe.