Sunderland are still not safe from the drop, so will need to get something from their trip to Pompey on Monday.

Ronald Koeman has been named as the new coach of Dutch champions AZ Alkmaar, succeeding Louis Van Gaal who has left to take charge at Bayern Munich.

The 46-year-old Koeman has signed a two-year contract, the club said.

“To succeed Louis, we wanted a top coach and we preferred a Dutchman,” said AZ president Dirk Scheringa.

Koeman’s last management job was with Valencia in Spain, but he left in April 2008.

Koeman has also coached Ajax (2001-2005), Benfica (2005-2006), PSV Eindhoven (2006-2007) and then Valencia (October 2007-April 2008).

Sunderland are still not safe from the drop, so will need to get something from their trip to Pompey on Monday.

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