Former Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane will not return for a second spell in charge of Sunderland, according to The Athletic.

The sports publication's Michael Walker reports the Corkman has turned down the role, which was believed to have been offered to him on Wednesday.

Keane is understood to have held two meetings with the club's sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.

Since departing Ipswich Town in 2011, Keane has not managed a club, although he has engaged in supportive roles with the Republic of Ireland national team, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

Back in 2006, Keane took over as manager of Sunderland and guided them to promotion to the Premier League in his first season in charge.

Sunderland currently lie fourth in League One, having lost their last three matches.

Keane departed the Stadium of Light in 2008 and in recent years has worked as a successful TV pundit for ITV and SKY Sports.