Joe Royle is not surprised Sunderland are keen on Tommy Miller.
Ipswich boss Joe Royle has admitted it is no surprise that Sunderland have cast their eye over midfielder Tommy Miller.Miller has finally earned a regular starting berth at Portman Road, having moved to East Anglia from Hartlepool in 2001.
Town chief Royle has offered Miller fresh terms to keep him in Suffolk, but admits the free-scoring midfielder could have his head turned by the Premiership-bound Black Cats.
"I'm not surprised Sunderland want him," said Royle. "If I saw a 15-goal midfielder available on a Bosman free I would also be interested."
Sunderland chief Mick McCarthy is also believed to be pondering a double raid on Portman Road, with striker Darren Bent the object of his desire.
Bent has proved he can find the target on a regular basis in The Championship and is said to be ready to make the step up in grade.
Royle is eyeing possible replacements for Miller, should he decide against signing a new deal, and has reportedly set his sights on Hibernian's Derek Riordan.
With Riordan having just one season to run on his contract at Easter Road, Hibs have admitted they will consider offers for the midfielder and Ipswich are reportedly ready to pounce should Miller move on.
