David Miliband set to sign for Sunderland

Former Foreign Secretary David Miliband is set to take on a role with Sunderland Football Club.

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn confirmed the club has held talks with Miliband.

"We are always challenging ourselves to find new ways to grow and develop the club and to make it stronger.

"We have had talks with David Miliband about a non-executive role at the club, but have nothing further to report at the moment."

Today's Daily Mail said he was to become vice-chairman on a reputed £50,000 salary.

It pointed out that the 45-year-old Arsenal fan, whose brother Ed beat him to the Labour leadership, has many Sunderland supporters in his South Shields constituency.

His spokesman said: "David Miliband is determined to continue to serve his constituency and pursue his interests in foreign and environmental policy.

"Discussions have taken place between David Miliband and Sunderland AFC about a non-executive role with the club focusing on his international and community work.

"As with all former ministers this is currently being considered by the advisory committee on business appointments."

Mr Miliband is also due to become a volunteer politics teacher at Haverstock School in Chalk Farm, north London.

He attended the school from 1978 to 1983 before going to Oxford, and is likely to teach for about 12 hours a week, reports said.