SUNDERLAND have been warned off any approach for Phil Parkinson by Wanderers chairman Ken Anderson.

The Black Cats, relegated to League One, are looking for a new manager following the sacking of Chris Coleman and according to reports on Wearside, new ownership has included Parkinson’s name on a shortlist of potential candidates.

It is understood no contact has been made with either the club or Parkinson to date – but Anderson made his feelings clear yesterday as he threw his weight behind his manager for the first time since Championship survival was secured.

“There has been some speculation linking Phil with other jobs and I can completely understand why given the excellent and outstanding job he has done with us,” he said. “What I will say is that Phil is under contract with Bolton Wanderers Football Club and he is the right man for the job in hand.

“We will not entertain any enquiries for him whatsoever and hopefully the size of any potential compensation package would be sufficient to dissuade any approaches.”

Parkinson signed a new contract last season – thought to be a one-year rolling deal – which Anderson feels would act as adequate insurance against the same sort of cut-price raid which levered the 50-year-old and his backroom staff out of Bradford City in the summer of 2016.

Anderson confirmed he was in talks with three potential investors at Wanderers but – in a statement which will be music to Parkinson’s ears – has pledged that cash will be made available right away for new signings and did not hinge on the outcome.

“I can reassure you that any negotiations will not detract or hamper our determination to strengthen our squad ahead of the new campaign and indeed, funds are available for the manager,” he said.

It is thought Parkinson has already presented a shortlist of potential targets to the chairman drawn up by himself, Steve Parkin and chief scout Tim Breacker.