Derby County are moving for Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt.

The Evening Chronicle says Derby are preparing to offer Bridcutt an escape route from Wearside.

Bridcutt has made just 19 Premier League starts since joining Sunderland from Brighton & Hove Albion in January last year, with Lee Cattermole having firmly established himself in the role of holding midfielder.

And while Bridcutt was a favourite of former Black Cats boss Gus Poyet – who worked with him at Brighton and brought him to the North East – the 26-year-old has started only one game since Dick Advocaat took charge in March.