Bristol City remain keen on Sunderland fullback Adam Matthews.

The Sunderland Echo says Matthews has been training with Sunderland's Under-21 squad at the Academy of Light over the last two weeks, with the right-back left out of the Black Cats' pre-season trip to Austria, along with unwanted quartet Liam Bridcutt, Will Buckley, Jordi Gomez and Charis Mavrias.

Matthews - who has made just two first-team appearances for Sunderland since his arrival from Celtic 12 months ago - has no future with the Black Cats after spending the end of last season on loan at Bristol City.

The Championship outfit had made noises about keeping Matthews after impressing during his nine appearances for the Robins, yet he resumed training with Sunderland a fortnight ago.

Bristol City are keen to re-sign the 24-year-old, with Sunderland not standing in their way as they look further lighten the wage bill of those considered surplus to requirements.