Sunderland give manager Alex Neil permission to speak to Stoke but Joey Barton is also a potential replacement for Michael O’Neill

Stoke have been given permission to speak to Sunderland boss Alex Neil about becoming their new manager.

The Potters are looking for a new boss having sacked Michael O’Neill earlier this week.

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Could Neil replace O’Neill at Stoke?

Stoke currently sit 21st in the league table having won just one of their opening five fixtures, losing three and drawing one.

Neil appears to be first-choice for the ex-Premier League side, who finished 14th in the previous two EFL Championship campaigns.

The former Norwich manager’s stock is currently high after just three losses in 24 games.

That form fired the Sunderland into the League One play-offs and a win over Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley ended their four-year stint in the third tier.

The Black Cats have continued their good form into the new campaign and sit fifth in the table thanks to two wins, two draws, and a loss.

Neil is not the only man Stoke are looking at, though.

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Barton is doing well with Bristol Rovers and liked by Stoke

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Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton is also believed to be a surprise name on the Potters’ list of potential replacements for O’Neill.

The former Man City, Newcastle, and Queens Park Rangers midfielder led The Gas to promotion from League Two last season.

It’s been a mixed start for them in League One with two win and three losses leaving them 15th after five games.

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