Roy Keane is no longer in the running to be the new Sunderland manager, according to reports.
The Manchester United and Ireland legend had been heavily linked with the vacancy at the League One club after previous incumbent Lee Johnson was relieved of his duties last month following a humiliating 6-0 loss at Bolton Wanderers.
Keane, 50, previously bossed Sunderland between 2006 and 2008. In that time he led them to promotion from the Championship before preserving their Premier League status.
Following Johnson's sacking, Keane undertook not one but two interviews with the hierarchy at the Stadium of Light, including sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.
Would Keane have been the man to end Sunderland's time in League One? Let us know in the comments
But now, the Athletic claim that Keane will not be taking up the role despite reportedly having been offered the job on Wednesday.
Keane, who has also managed Ipswich and has held assistant roles with the Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, has become a popular pundit in recent years.
He was quizzed on the Sunderland links, as speculation swirled last week, live on ITV.
Staying typically coy, Keane said: "I've got no control over that, no comment.
"I've made [it] clear, I'd like to get back as a manager.
"But the club has to want you, you've got to want that job, the contract has to be right. We'll see how things take shape over the next couple of days."
Keane has previously spoken of his deep affection for the Black Cats, who gave him his first stab at management. But it appears that a return to his old club is now very much off the table.
It is thought that Sunderland are still keen to get a new manager in before Saturday's trip to AFC Wimbledon.
The Wearsiders are on a wretched run of form and Tuesday saw them hit another low, losing 2-1 away to Cheltenham Town.
Not only did it extend Sunderland's poor run - they have won just one of their last seven games - but it was a first win for Cheltenham in almost three months.
Caretaker boss Mike Dodds lamented the performance.
He said: "The reality is it's one win in eight now. I will take the responsibility for the last two results because I have been the captain of the ship for that time, but it was one win in six before that.
"So the players have got to find something within themselves, because this cannot continue.
"They've got to go to Wimbledon and win, that's the harsh reality.
"It's one win in eight, so confidence is a huge issue here and they've got to find something within themselves.
"They can't feel sorry for themselves, they've got to go and win."
