Sunderland have been linked with a summer move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Matija Sarkic.
The 22-year-old has revealed he will leave Villa Park when his current deal expires, with Sunderland and Blackpool reported to be leading the chase for his signature.
The Black Cats could lose No 1 Jon McLaughlin on a free this summer, with the Scotland international yet to sign a new deal at the Stadium of Light.
Blackburn have frequently been linked with a move for McLaughlin, meaning Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson will need to strengthen his goalkeeping options should he leave.
Lee Burge has had spells as first-choice keeper, but Parkinson will want competition for places when football finally returns to Wearside.
Villa keeper Sarkic enjoyed a successful loan spell at Livingston earlier this season before returning as cover in January when Tom Heaton suffered a serious knee injury,
Speaking to Montenegrin outlet Vijesti he says he desire for first-team football means he is likely to move on this summer, even though Villa would like him to stay.
“It was great in Livingston,” he said. “The club, however, soon brought in the famous and experienced Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina, so there was no room for me.
“I think that there will be little space for a real chance in Aston Villa in the future, so I plan to go, despite the club’s desire to extend my contract, which expires at the end of June.
“Now I am diligently preparing for the status I want, and that is the first goalkeeper.
“There is interest, both in England and abroad. Aston Villa is now one of the four richest clubs. The ambitions are great, and the competition is already huge.”
Sarkic has been at Villa since 2015 after coming through the Anderlecht academy. He was born in Grimsby to British and Montenegrin parents, and was raised in Belgium.
