Black Cats like Liver

Sunderland are lining up a bid for unsettled Millwall captain David Livermore as they look to build a squad capable of keeping them in The Premiership.

Livermore's contract expires at the end of the season and, tired of the summer turmoil at The Den, the 25-year-old recently handed in a transfer request.

Millwall chairman Theo Paphitis concedes he may have to sell the influential midfielder - Southampton are also interested - but only if the price is right.

"We've had enquiries from two clubs, but as yet neither have matched our valuation for Dave," Paphitis told radio station Time FM.

"We signed him from Arsenal for £30,000 and they have a 30 percent sell-on clause on him - so any offer has to be worthwhile.

"We would like Dave to stay, but his contract is up at the end of the season, when he would be in a position to leave for nothing."

So far Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy has brought in Blackburn striker Jon Stead,  Everton defender Alan Stubbs, Ipswich players Tommy Miller and Kelvin Davis, Gillingham's Nyron Nosworthy and Anthony Le Tallec on loan from Liverpool.

Andy Gray should make an imminent switch from Sheffield United to The Stadium Of Light in a £1 million deal as Sunderland continue to strengthen for their return to English football's top table.