ABERDEEN have confirmed that manager Derek McInnes and assistant Tony Docherty have been given permission to hold talks with Sunderland.

The Dons boss is understood to be the Black Cats' top choice to replace David Moyes following their relegation from the Premier League last season.

In a statement on the club's official website, Aberdeen said that they have 'reluctantly' agreed to let McInnes speak with the English club after they agreed to meet contractual obligations.

The statement read: "The club can confirm that early this afternoon Sunderland FC agreed to meet all the contractual obligations for both Derek McInnes and Tony Docherty and they have, reluctantly, been granted permission to speak with both of them about the vacant managerial position at Sunderland.

"Aberdeen FC will be making no further comment at this moment in time."

McInnes led the Dons to the runners-up spot in the Ladbrokes Premiership last season as well as to the final of the Betfred Cup and Scottish Cup, both ending in defeat to Celtic.