Ipswich Town look set to miss out on managerial target Jack Ross, with the St Mirren boss set to take the Sunderland job.

East Anglian Daily Times: Jack Ross looks set to take over as Sunderland boss. Picture: PAJack Ross looks set to take over as Sunderland boss. Picture: PA (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Scottish boss Ross and Paul Hurst of Shrewsbury are believed to have been the two remaining candidates for the vacancy left following Mick McCarthy’s departure, with the Black Cats emerging as rivals for both men’s services earlier this week.

The Blues had been granted permission to speak with Ross and did so on two occasions, but must wait until after Sunday’s League One play-off final to approach Shrewsbury and Hurst. It is understood no decision had been made and neither man had been offered the Ipswich job prior to news of Sunderland’s interest.

But Ross now looks set to take the top job at the Stadium of Light, following a flurry of reports in the North East and in Scotland today.

MORE: Ipswich set to miss out on Ross with St Mirren boss set for Sunderland job

East Anglian Daily Times: Paul Hurst is now the firm favourite for the Ipswich job. Picture: PAPaul Hurst is now the firm favourite for the Ipswich job. Picture: PA (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

New Sunderland owner, Stewart Donald, revealed terms had been agreed with a new manager this morning, before later adding he hoped to reveal the identity of the new manager by the end of today.

“I said in the press conference we would hopefully have our man by the weekend,” Donald tweeted this afternoon.

“The update is we have agreed terms and as I said it is with the legals now.

“By close of play tomorrow (Thursday) I would hope to make an announcement. All on course.”

Earlier in the day Donald said: “The man in question is absolutely thrilled, which is what we want, and I’m absolutely delighted that he’s coming, so that’s exciting for us. I’m hoping that by the end of the day, we can reveal that.”

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There was confusion earlier in the day, with St Mirren chairman Gordon Scott insisting Sunderland had not asked for permission to speak to Ross, as the Blues did two weeks ago, but St Mirren later confirmed permission had indeed been granted.

“St Mirren Football Club can confirm we received an approach from Sunderland AFC this afternoon for permission to speak to our manager Jack Ross,” a club statement read.

“After agreeing to our terms we have reluctantly given them permission to speak to Jack about their vacant manager’s position.”

It was reported by a Scottish radio station that Ross taking the top job at Portman Road remains an option, but it is understood the expectation remains that Ross will be named Sunderland boss as soon as tomorrow.