Sky Sports understands Sunderland have opened talks with Lee Cattermole over a contract extension at the club.
Sunderland skipper in discussions to extend stay at the club
Sky Sports understands Sunderland have opened talks with Lee Cattermole over a contract extension at the club.
The Black Cats captain remains a crucial player in Martin O'Neill's midfield.
But the 24-year-old is entering the final season of his contract with the team he joined on a £6million four-year deal from Wigan in the summer of 2009.
And O'Neill is keen to keep hold of the former England under-21 international for the prime years of his career.
Cattermole has had notable difficulties with his discipline, being booked 28 times and received four red cards in 73 games for Sunderland.