Former England star the shock favourite to take over at Sale Sharks

Diamond, who made 290 appearances for Sale as a player, rejoined the club in January 2011 and has also had spells as the club's chief executive.

He left the Sharks just three matches into the 2020-21 Premiership season, the team having won two of those games.

Sanderson, who won 16 England caps between 1998 and 2007, has now emerged as the 'lead contender' to take over at the AJ Bell Stadium.

The Rugby Paper has reported that the 43-year-old 'was in the summer asked by the Sharks to take charge alongside Richard Wigglesworth, who is now with Leicester Tigers.'

Sharks are now reportedly ready to approach the Saracens coach once again with a long-term contract on the table.

After being forced out of Tigers, the former England hooker has established himself as a top coach once again with Edinburgh in the Top 14 despite having a lack of resources. A move back to the Premiership with Sale, who have a stunning new training ground, could make sense.

The early favourite. Following England’s Rugby World Cup failure, Lancaster has re-established himself as a top coach since joining Leinster. The 51-year-old seemed to be in the running for any and every job in both hemispheres before the Irish side offered him the role as senior coach. His philosophy and work ethic may match up well with Sale.

He's tough, he's experienced and he's available to join with immediate effect. Young would very much fit the mould of what the club have gone for in past.

Richards’ has restored his reputation as one of the top Directors of Rugby in England since taking over at the Falcons. Sale could offer him the chance to work with a bigger budget than he has had in recent years. However, there is also the question of whether Richards would consider leaving Newcastle, where he seems very settled.