SUNDERLAND have approached Kim Hellberg in the search for a new manager, according to reports.
The Black Cats surprisingly axed Tony Mowbray earlier this week despite the club being just three points behind the play-off places.
Kim Hellberg has reportedly held talks over becoming Sunderland boss
They have won just one of their last five games.
Mowbray, 60, led the club to the play-off semi-final last year before losing to now Premier League side Luton.
Academy coach Mike Dodds is currently in temporary charge but Hellberg has held talks with owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, claim The Times.
The 35-year-old boss is without a job after leading IFK Varnamo to fifth in the Swedish top-flight.
Their season came to an end last month and Hellberg chose to resign, citing his desire for a new challenge.
He has also been linked with the Hammarby job, who lost their boss Marti Cifuentes to QPR.
Hellberg is a highly-rated young coach and he has made his way up the football pyramid.
His career began when he won the fifth tier with Kimstad Golf.
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He then moved to Kuddby IF and won two promotions in three years before climbing to the Swedish equivalent of the Championship and Prem.
Sunderland also have Reims manager Will Still and Nice assistant Julien Sable on their radar.