Sunderland are lining up a £5million bid for Leeds United right-back Sam Byram.

The 21-year-old has interest from Liverpool and Newcastle also but is not their top choice. Leeds value Byram at £8million but Premier League clubs are reluctant to go so high.

Sunderland sporting director Lee Congerton has identified the England U20 international to solve their problem full-back position and has been tasked with finding another five quality signings as owner Ellis Short considers an overhaul to avoid further relegation battles.

Sunderland are lining up a £5million bid for Leeds United right-back Sam Byram this summer

Leeds are keen on Reading defender Alex Pearce, 26, who has yet to sign a new deal and is out of contract. However, he also has interest from Derby and QPR.

Former West Ham head of recruitment Martyn Glover has joined Leeds as chief scout and he will be joined on the backroom team by Cardiff goalkeeper coach Richard Hartis.