Ricky Sbragia looks set to turn down the chance to be reunited with Sam Allardyce at Blackburn Rovers.

The former Sunderland boss, who currently remains on the Black Cats coaching staff, was offered the chance to team up with Allardyce at Ewood Park in the wake of Karl Robinson’s switch to MK Dons.

Sbragia, who was a coach at Bolton, seems certain to reject Rovers’ approach after a difficult period as manager at the Stadium of Light last season.

With first team coach Robinson being appointed Paul Ince’s assistant at MK Dons, Allardyce will now have to step up the search to boost his coaching staff.

Bobby Downes, Rovers Academy Director, has also left his role at the club while Man City are believed to be interested in taking physio Dave Fevre away from Ewood Park.

Rovers have denied receiving any official approach.