Sunderland: Dick Advocaat 'in talks' to replace Gus Poyet

Dick Advocaat managed Rangers from 1998 to 2002

Dick Advocaat is expected to take over Sunderland for the rest of the season following Gus Poyet's sacking.

Reports suggest ex-Netherlands coach Advocaat, 67, has flown to Sunderland and will be appointed on Tuesday.

Dutch journalist Arno Vermeulen told BBC Radio 5 live he had spoken to Advocaat and was "99% certain" his countryman would become boss for the final nine games.

Poyet was sacked after a run of just one victory in 12 league games.

Sunderland are 17th in the Premier League and face West Ham United on Saturday. The Black Cats are one point above the relegation zone after Saturday's 4-0 home defeat by Aston Villa.

Advocaat has been out of work since resigning as Serbia coach in November.

The Dutch coach's previous clubs include Rangers, PSV Eindhoven and Zenit St Petersburg. The Dutchman has also managed six nations, including Belgium and South Korea.

He has won domestic league titles in Netherlands, Scotland and Russia.

Former Netherlands and Rangers defender Arthur Numan told BBC Radio 5 live that Advocaat has "always dreamed of coaching in England".

Numan, who played under Advocaat for club and country, added: "I think the press are going to love him as well because he is outspoken."