Harry Redknapp has ruled himself out of contention for the Sunderland job.

The 68-year-old has been out of work since February, when he left Championship side Queens Park Rangers, and has been one of many names linked with the vacancy on Wearside after Dick Advocaat walked on Sunday.

However, Redknapp has come out and admitted he is not interested in taking up the role with the Black Cats, despite what rumours have suggested.

Redknapp doesn't want 'tough job'

Speaking via the Guardian this week, the experienced manager simply stated that he is "not into running [for the job]."

Experienced in surviving relegation in the Premier League, it makes sense for Redknapp to be linked with the job, but he had admitted that he's not interested in it.

He continued, describing the job as a "tough" one, as Sunderland are "poor at the back" and their "centre-halves aren't good enough." 

Talking about their performance at home to West Ham United at the weekend, in which they surrendered a two goal lead to draw 2-2, Redknapp said "they were short everywhere" and that "there's a lot of work to be done" if they are to stay up - factors that appear to have put him off the job.

Allardyce won't manage relegation-bound side

The front runner in the race for the job has emerged as Sam Allardyce, another manager with a vast amount of experience in the top flight.

However, Redknapp is not convinced that the former-Bolton Wanderers man will take the job, saying that he doesn't know if he "wants it."

He described Allardyce as "a very confident guy" with "a big ego" who has "done a fantastic job wherever he's been," yet, he said that, if he doesn't think he can stop Sunderland from being relegated, "he won't take [the job]."

Redknapp continued, saying that Allardyce will not "want to get relegated" with the Black Cats, and will be especially concerned "because every year they seem to be in the same position."

Poor transfer business responsible for struggling Sunderland

Furthermore, whoever takes charge will do so with over two months until the transfer window, which could be a problem and a deterring factor for those interested as Sunderland have "not recruited very well," according to Redknapp.

He recognises that "they've spent decent money," but believes "they've not brought good players in," which was apparent when they lost 2-0 to Bournemouth last month, as "they were an absolute disaster."

This may not just be a concern for Allardyce, but for many managers looking for work who are to be approached by Sunderland - a team described as "horrendous" by Redknapp.

Allardyce one of many candidates

As well as Allardyce, Nigel Pearson has been linked with the job on Wearside, as has Stabæk manager Bob Bradley. The former is believed to be Sunderland's main target, with Pearson a back-up, whilst Bradley has recently announced that he is firmly interested in the role.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche was also rumoured to be in the running, but he has since dismissed the claims.

Fortunately for the Black Cats, this week's international break gives them more time to identify the best candidate, but they are likely to want a man in charge for the beginning of next week as they prepare for the return to league action, which comes in the form of a trip to West Bromwich Albion.