The Reims head coach boasts an impressive reputation in the game with the 31-year-old regarded as one of the hottest young bosses in the game.
However, one stumbling block could be the amount of compensation that Sunderland would be required to pay to release him from his contract.
Nice assistant boss Julian Sable is also on the Black Cats' shortlist.
Still has one of the most fascinating profiles in football after admitting that computer game Football Manager convinced him to ditch a career as a player to move into coaching and management at the age of 17.
Since then Belgian-born British coach became a video analyst and assistant manager before getting his break with Belgian side Beerschot. He joined Reims as no.2 to Oscar Garcia in 2021.
READ MORE
Amazon Prime fixtures this week, kick-off times and how to watch games for FREE
Man United release statement after journalists 'banned' from press conference
He then replaced Garcia as manager and led them to fifth in Ligue 1 last season.
Sunderland are looking for a young, up-and-coming coach to replace Tony Mowbray, who was sacked on Monday.
The Middlesbrough-born boss spent 15 months in charge at the Stadium Of Light and guided the Wearsiders to the Championship play-offs in their first season back in the second tier.
They ultimately fell short against Luton in the semi-finals, with the Hatters going on to secure promotion to the Premier League.