According to reports in the north-east press, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has stated that Blues have asked to speak with 54-year-old Sbragia, a former Blues centre-back, about taking over the position vacated by Roy Aitken's decision to leave the club earlier this week.
"I had a phone call from Alex two days ago saying he would like to speak to Ricky," Bruce told the Sunderland Echo.
"Ricky has done a wonderful job for this club but if he talks to Alex and decides to go then we will wish him well. I'm not going to stand in the lad's way."