Craig Gardner is ready to leave Sunderland next month.

The Mirror says Gardner is set to quit Sunderland after just six months and seek a move back to the Midlands.

The £5million midfielder has failed to settle away from his family after joining the Wearsiders from Birmingham City in the summer, with Wolves interested.

New Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill has spoken in positive terms about getting Gardner's career started again after he failed to win a regular spot in Steve Bruce's side.