St Mirren have confirmed that they have given permission to Sky Bet League One side Sunderland to speak with manager Jack Ross.
Sky Bet suspended bets on the Black Cats' new manager market earlier after the club's new owner Stewart Donald revealed he is hoping to announce the club's new manager by the end of Wednesday.
Donald declined to name Coleman's replacement but did, however, rule out a return for the Welshman and confirmed that former boss Mick McCarthy would not be returning to the Stadium of Light.
Ross is currently at St Mirren and was last month named the PFA's Manager of the Year in Scotland.
Donald told talkSPORT: "On the manager front, we have agreed literally this morning, so we are just drawing up contracts with the man we want. I am expecting there to be news on that very soon.
"We've agreed terms and literally the contracts are with the lawyers. 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."
In reply, Saints chairman Gordon Scott previously said: "I've just heard these claims reported on talkSPORT.
"There has been no contact from Sunderland with us and Jack is on holiday so unless there is some major skulduggery going on then it's nonsense.
"To hold talks with Jack, we would have to grant permission, as has been the case with Ipswich and Barnsley recently.
"But we've had no contact from Sunderland at all."
The Ladbrokes Championship title winners later announced they had since received contact from Sunderland.
A statement read: "St Mirren Football Club can confirm we received an approach from Sunderland AFC this afternoon for permission to speak to our manager Jack Ross.
"After agreeing to our terms we have reluctantly given them permission to speak to Jack about their vacant manager's position."
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Last updated at 1750 BST on 23/05/18
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