St Mirren insist Sunderland have not contacted them about Jack Ross taking over as manager: 'Jack is on holiday so unless there is some major skulduggery going on it's nonsense'

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St Mirren insist Sunderland have not been in contact over the availability of manager Jack Ross.

It has been reported that the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year has agreed a two year deal with the troubled Wearsiders to replace Chris Coleman.

Saints chairman Gordon Scott has refuted claims Sunderland have already agreed to pay £50,000 compensation to the newly promoted SPFL Premiership club, however, insisting there has been no approach as yet.

St Mirren manager Jack Ross has been heavily linked with the vacant role at Sunderland

Gordon Scott (left) insists Sunderland have not contacted the club about a move for Ross

Ross has held talks with Ipswich Town over replacing Mick McCarthy after the Paisley club reluctantly granted their permission.

Insisting that’s not the case with Sunderland, however, St Mirren chairman Scott told Sportsmail: ‘I just heard this reported on TalkSPORT. There has been no contact from Sunderland with us and Jack is abroad on holiday so unless there is major skullduggery going on then it’s nonsense.

‘Jack is due back from holiday on Tuesday, but there has definitely been no contact from Sunderland to the club.’

New Sunderland owner Stewart Donald completed a £40m takeover of the club on Monday.

Stewart Donald said that Sunderland were hoping to announce news by end of Wednesday